Meaning and Usage
The verb 发明 (fā míng) means "to invent" or "to create something new." It is commonly used when talking about inventions in science, technology, or everyday life. The characters literally mean "send out" (发) and "bright/clear" (明), implying bringing new ideas to light.
Common Collocations
- 发明电灯 (invent the electric light): a classic example of a famous invention.
- 发明新技术 (invent new technology): used in scientific or industrial contexts.
- 发明专利 (invention patent): legal term related to protecting inventions.
Usage Notes
发明 is a formal verb often used in written and spoken Chinese when discussing innovation or creativity. It usually refers to creating something that did not exist before, rather than just discovering or improving something. Avoid confusing it with 发现 (discover), which means to find something already existing.
Register and Tone
The word is neutral and appropriate in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. It is not colloquial or slang.
Summary
Use 发明 when emphasizing the act of creating or inventing something new, especially in scientific or technical fields. It highlights originality and innovation.