Meaning
发现 means to discover, find out, or become aware of something that was previously unknown or hidden. It can refer to both physical discoveries (like finding an object) and realizations (like noticing a pattern or truth). As a noun, it means 'discovery' or 'finding'.
Usage
发现 is used in both formal and informal contexts. It's common in scientific writing (科学发现), everyday conversation (我发现了一个好餐厅), and when expressing sudden realizations. Often followed by a clause or object describing what was discovered. More neutral than 找到 (which implies intentional searching) or 察觉 (which emphasizes perceiving subtle things).
Examples
- 01我发现他说的话不是真的。.I discovered that what he said wasn't true.
- 02科学家们在那里发现了恐龙化石。.Scientists discovered dinosaur fossils there.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个发现
- 项一项重大发现
Common collocations
- 发现问题to discover a problem
- 新发现new discovery
- 科学发现scientific discovery
- 重大发现major discovery
Antonyms
Origin
发 originally meant 'to send forth' and 现 means 'to appear' or 'to manifest'. Together they convey the sense of causing something hidden to appear or come to light.