Meaning and Usage
The verb 揭发 (jiēfā) means 'to expose' or 'to reveal' something hidden, especially secrets, crimes, or misconduct. It often implies uncovering wrongdoing or illegal activities.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in news reports, legal contexts, and conversations about ethics or justice. For example, journalists 揭发 corruption, or police 揭发 criminal activities.
Collocations and Patterns
- 揭发犯罪 (expose crimes): used in law enforcement or news.
- 揭发丑闻 (expose scandals): common in media contexts.
- 揭发真相 (reveal the truth): emphasizes uncovering facts.
Nuances
Using 揭发 suggests a deliberate act of uncovering something that was intentionally hidden. It carries a serious tone and is often associated with moral or legal judgment.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 揭发 with 曝光 (bàoguāng), which also means 'to expose' but is more general and often used for publicizing information or images. 揭发 specifically implies revealing wrongdoing or secrets.