发言

• Pinyin: fā yán
• Hanzi breakdown: 发 = simplified from 發, meaning to emit; 言 = pictograph of words coming from a mouth

Meaning

To speak; to make a statement; speech. Refers to speaking publicly or formally at a meeting, conference, or event.

Used as both a verb (在会上发言 = speak at a meeting) and a noun (他的发言很精彩 = his speech was wonderful). Implies a somewhat formal context — more structured than casual conversation. The person who speaks is 发言人 (spokesperson).

Examples

1. 请大家轮流发言，每人三分钟。 Please take turns speaking, three minutes per person.
2. 他在会议上的发言非常精彩。 His speech at the meeting was very impressive.
3. 有谁想先发言？请举手。 Does anyone want to speak first? Please raise your hand.

Usage Guide

Context: meetings, conferences, school

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 下面请王经理发言。(Next, please let Manager Wang speak.)
• 他的发言赢得了大家的掌声。(His speech won everyone's applause.)

Don't Say

• 我们在吃饭时发言 (For casual conversation at dinner, use 聊天 or 说话 — 发言 implies a formal setting with an audience)

Origin & History

Compound of 发 (to send out, emit) and 言 (speech, words), meaning to send forth one's words — to speak up.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal