発展

• Reading: はってん
• Romaji: hatten
• Kanji breakdown: 発 (hatsu) — emit, start; 展 (ten) — unfold, expand
• Pronunciation: /hat.teɴ/

Meaning

Development; growth; progress. The expansion or advancement of something, often on a large societal or economic scale.

A noun that functions as a suru verb (発展する). Emphasizes expansion and flourishing, in contrast to 発達 which focuses on maturation. Common phrases: 経済発展 (economic development), 発展途上国 (developing country), 都市の発展 (urban development). Often used in discussions of society, economies, and civilizations.

Examples

1. この地域は観光業の発展で豊かになった。 This region became prosperous through the development of tourism.
2. アジアの国々は急速に発展している。 Countries in Asia are developing rapidly.
3. 科学の発展が人々の生活を便利にした。 Advances in science have made people's lives more convenient.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, society, history

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 発 (hatsu, emit/start) and 展 (ten, unfold/expand). Together, 'unfolding outward' — something opening up and growing in scope.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal