发挥

• Pinyin: fā huī
• Hanzi breakdown: 发 = simplified from 發, meaning to send forth; 挥 = 扌(hand) + 军 (army, phonetic, simplified)

Meaning

To bring into play; to display; to perform. Using one's abilities or the potential of something to full effect.

Used for describing how well someone uses their talents or abilities, especially in exams, sports, or work. 发挥好 (performed well), 发挥失常 (performed below normal), 发挥作用 (play a role/function). Can also mean to elaborate or expand on an idea.

Examples

1. 她在比赛中发挥得非常出色。 She performed exceptionally well in the competition.
2. 这次考试他没有发挥好，有点遗憾。 He didn't perform well on this exam, which is a bit of a pity.
3. 我们要充分发挥每个人的优势。 We should make full use of everyone's strengths.

Usage Guide

Context: performance, competition

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 今天发挥得怎么样？(How did you perform today?)
• 要发挥自己的特长。(You should put your strengths to good use.)

Don't Say

• 用'发挥'代替'表现'在日常评价中 (Don't always replace 表现 with 发挥 — 发挥 emphasises the use of ability or potential, while 表现 is a more general word for behaviour or performance)

Origin & History

Compound of 发 (to send out, to release) and 挥 (to wave, to wield). Together they mean to bring forth and display one's abilities.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal