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verb HSK 5
Traditional 發揚
fā yáng
to promote · to carry forward · to develop · to advocate

Meaning

发扬 means to promote, develop, or carry forward something positive, especially traditions, virtues, or strengths. It emphasizes actively advancing or advocating for desirable qualities or practices so they flourish and spread.

Usage

Commonly used in formal or written contexts, especially when discussing promoting cultural traditions, moral values, or organizational strengths. Often paired with positive abstract nouns like 精神 (spirit), 传统 (tradition), or 优点 (strengths). The tone is usually earnest and aspirational.

Examples

  1. 01
    我们要发扬艰苦奋斗的精神。
    Wǒmen yào fā yáng jiān kǔ fèn dòu de jīng shén.
    We must carry forward the spirit of hard struggle.
  2. 02
    学校鼓励学生发扬团队合作的优良传统。
    Xuéxiào gǔ lì xuésheng fā yáng tuán duì hé zuò de yōu liáng chuán tǒng.
    The school encourages students to promote the fine tradition of teamwork.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 发扬光大
    fā yáng guāng dà
    to develop and expand (traditions/achievements)
  • 发扬精神
    fā yáng jīng shén
    to promote/carry forward the spirit
  • 发扬传统
    fā yáng chuán tǒng
    to carry forward traditions
  • 发扬优点
    fā yáng yōu diǎn
    to develop strengths

Antonyms

Origin

The combination of 发 (to develop/send forth) and 扬 (to raise/spread) creates the meaning of actively promoting or spreading something upward and outward.

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