発射

• Reading: はっしゃ
• Romaji: hassha
• Kanji breakdown: 発 (hatsu) — emit, fire; 射 (sha) — shoot, aim
• Pronunciation: /haɕ.ɕa/

Meaning

Firing; shooting; launching. The act of discharging a projectile, missile, or rocket.

A noun that functions as a suru verb (発射する). Used for firearms, missiles, rockets, and similar projectiles being discharged. Frequently appears in news broadcasts about military activity or space exploration. Common compounds: 発射台 (launch pad), 発射角 (launch angle). More technical than 撃つ (to shoot).

Examples

1. ロケットが宇宙に向けて発射された。 The rocket was launched into space.
2. その国がミサイルを発射したとニュースで報じた。 The news reported that the country fired a missile.
3. 選手がスタートの合図でピストルを発射した。 The starter fired the pistol at the signal to begin.

Usage Guide

Context: military, news, space exploration

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 発 (hatsu, emit/fire) and 射 (sha, shoot/aim). Together, 'emitting a shot' — the forceful release of a projectile.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal