发达

• Pinyin: fā dá
• Hanzi breakdown: 发 = simplified from 發, meaning to develop; 达 = simplified from 達, meaning to reach or arrive at

Meaning

Developed; advanced; flourishing. Describes a high level of economic, technological, or social development.

Most commonly used to describe countries (发达国家 = developed country), economies, or technologies. Can also describe well-developed body parts (肌肉发达 = well-developed muscles). The opposite is 落后 (backward) or 发展中 (developing).

Examples

1. 日本是一个经济很发达的国家。 Japan is a country with a very developed economy.
2. 这个城市的交通非常发达。 The transportation in this city is very well developed.
3. 随着科技越来越发达，人们的生活也变好了。 As technology becomes more and more advanced, people's lives have improved.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, society, geography

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这是一个经济发达的地区。(This is an economically developed region.)
• 发达国家的科技水平很高。(The technology level in developed countries is very high.)

Don't Say

• 她的学习很发达 (Don't use 发达 for personal achievements like study — it describes systems and regions, not individual progress; use 进步大 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 发 (to develop, emit) and 达 (to reach, arrive), meaning to develop to a high point — having reached a flourishing state.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal