发明

• Pinyin: fā míng
• Hanzi breakdown: 发 = simplified from 發, meaning to bring forth; 明 = 日 (sun) + 月 (moon), meaning bright

Meaning

To invent; invention. The act of creating something new that did not exist before, or the thing itself.

Can be used as both a verb (发明了电话 = invented the telephone) and a noun (伟大的发明 = a great invention). Often appears in discussions of history, science, and technology. The person who invents is called 发明家 (inventor).

Examples

1. 中国古代发明了造纸术和印刷术。 Ancient China invented papermaking and printing.
2. 爱迪生的发明改变了人们的生活。 Edison's inventions changed people's lives.
3. 这个小学生发明了一种新的文具。 This primary school student invented a new type of stationery.

Usage Guide

Context: science, history, technology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 谁发明了电话？(Who invented the telephone?)
• 这是一项了不起的发明。(This is a remarkable invention.)

Don't Say

• 我发明了一个新方法 (For methods or ideas, use 想出 or 创造 — 发明 is specifically for tangible inventions or technologies)

Origin & History

Compound of 发 (to bring forth) and 明 (bright, clear), suggesting bringing something new into clarity — making something that was not yet visible.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal