verb / noun HSK 4
Traditional 發言
yán
to speak · to make a statement · to express one's views · speech · statement

Meaning

发言 means to speak publicly or express one's opinion, typically in formal settings like meetings, conferences, or public forums. As a noun, it refers to the speech or statement itself. It emphasizes the act of voicing one's thoughts or position on a matter, usually when invited or given the floor.

Usage

发言 is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as business meetings, conferences, classroom discussions, and official events. It's more formal than casual words like 说 (to say). Native speakers often use phrases like '请...发言' (please speak) when giving someone the floor, or '自由发言' (free discussion) when anyone can speak up.

Examples

  1. 01
    会议上每个人都有机会发言
    Huì shàng měi rén dōu yǒu huì yán.
    Everyone has a chance to speak at the meeting.
  2. 02
    他的发言得到了大家的认可。
    de yán dào le jiā de rèn .
    His statement received everyone's approval.

Characters

Measure words

  • 发了三次言
  • 一个重要的发言

Common collocations

  • 发言
    yán quán
    the right to speak
  • 自由发言
    yóu yán
    open discussion, free speech
  • 代表发言
    dài biǎo yán
    representative speaks
  • 发言
    yán rén
    spokesperson

Antonyms

Origin

发 originally meant 'to send forth' and 言 means 'speech' or 'words.' Together, 发言 literally means 'to send forth words' or 'to express speech.'

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