1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 発 is "to depart," "to emit," "to disclose," "to start," or "to occur." It is an incredibly versatile kanji used for a wide range of concepts involving something beginning, being released, or coming out into the open.
Common Readings and Words:
はつ (hatsu): The common Sino-Japanese reading.
出発 (shuppatsu): Departure. (出-exit + 発-depart)
発明 (hatsumei): Invention. (発-emit + 明-bright/clear → "to emit clarity")
発見 (hakken): Discovery. (発-emit + 見-see → "to emit sight onto something")
発表 (happyou): Announcement, presentation. (発-disclose + 表-express)
ほつ (hotsu): An alternative Sino-Japanese reading found in some words.
発足 (hossoku): Inauguration, launch, start. (発-start + 足-foot → "to start walking")
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 発 correctly is essential for balance. It is a complex character, but its stroke order follows a logical sequence.
Total Strokes: 9
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Top-left Component:
Stroke 1: Left-falling stroke (撇).
Stroke 2: Vertical stroke (竖).
Top-right Component: 癶 (Hatsugashira):
Stroke 3: Dot (点).
Stroke 4: Left-falling stroke (撇).
Stroke 5: Right-dot stroke (捺).
Bottom Component:
Stroke 6: Horizontal stroke (横).
Stroke 7: Vertical stroke (竖).
Stroke 8: Left-falling stroke (撇).
Stroke 9: Right-dot stroke (捺).
Key Stroke Order Rules Applied:
Top to Bottom: The character is clearly divided into a top and bottom section.
Left to Right: The top part is written from left to right.
Enclose before Close: The structure is built from the outside in.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 発 is fascinating. Its modern form is a simplification of the older, more complex character 發.
The original character 發 was a brilliant ideographic compound (会意文字 kaii moji). Let's break down its ancient components:
癶 (Hatsugashira): This radical, which remains in the modern form, depicts two feet stepping forward. It represents the idea of "stepping out" or "starting a journey."
弓 (Yumi): This meant "bow." In the original character, it was a key component.
殳 (Hoko): This radical represents a hand holding a weapon or tool.
The Combined Meaning of the Original Character (發):
The original character depicted a powerful and dynamic scene:
"A hand (殳) releasing the bowstring (弓) to shoot an arrow, causing it to spring forward (癶)."
This image captures the essence of 発 perfectly:
The Start of Motion: The arrow being released is the moment of departure.
Emission: The arrow is emitted from the bow.
Sudden Occurrence: The rapid, instantaneous action of the arrow flying.
The modern simplified form 発 retains the "stepping feet" radical (癶) at its core, preserving the fundamental idea of "starting to move" or "setting out."
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 発.
As "Departure" (はつ):
Romaji: Tōkyō-yuki no densha wa ku-ji ni shuppatsu shimasu.
English: The train for Tokyo departs at 9 o'clock.
東京行きの電車は９時に出発します。
As "Discovery" (はつ):
Romaji: Atarashii hoshi o hakken shita.
English: They discovered a new star.
新しい星を発見した。
As "Invention" (はつ):
Romaji: Denwa wa idai na hatsumei da.
English: The telephone is a great invention.
電話は偉大な発明だ。
As "Start" (ほつ):
Romaji: Atarashii purojekuto ga hossoku shita.
English: A new project has been launched.
新しいプロジェクトが発足した。
Summary
Meaning: To depart, to emit, to disclose, to start, to occur.
Writing: 9 strokes. Write from top to bottom, starting with the left side of the top, then the "stepping feet" radical, and finally the bottom part.
Origin: A simplification of the character 發, which was an ideographic compound picturing a hand releasing an arrow from a bow, causing it to spring forward. This vivid image of initiated movement and release is the source of all its modern meanings related to starting, emitting, and departing. The modern form retains the 癶 (stepping feet) radical, emphasizing the core idea of "setting out."