Usage of 发行
The verb 发行 (fāxíng) primarily means "to publish" or "to issue," commonly used for books, newspapers, magazines, official documents, or identification cards. It implies the formal distribution or release of printed or official materials to the public.
Common contexts
- Publishing new books or magazines: 发行新书, 发行杂志
- Issuing official documents like ID cards or licenses: 发行身份证, 发行许可证
- Newspapers or periodicals' circulation: 发行量 (circulation volume)
Collocations and patterns
- 发行新书 (publish a new book): used when a publisher releases a new title.
- 发行证件 (issue documents): used in official/government contexts.
- 发行量 (circulation volume): refers to the number of copies distributed.
Notes
- 发行 is formal and often used in written or official contexts.
- It differs from 出版 (chūbǎn), which focuses more on the publishing process, while 发行 emphasizes the distribution or issuance.
- Avoid confusing 发行 with 发放, which means "to distribute" but usually refers to money, benefits, or materials rather than publications.
Understanding 发行 helps learners talk about publishing and issuing documents accurately in formal and media-related conversations.