Translation and Meaning of: 発明 - hatsumei

The Japanese word 「発明」 (hatsumei) is quite intriguing, especially for its use in the field of science and technology. The etymology of 「発明」 is formed by two kanji: 「発」 (hatsu), which means "departure" or "emergence," and 「明」 (mei), which means "brightness" or "clarity." Together, they form the concept of "illuminating discovery" or "bringing something to light," which is directly related to the idea of invention or innovation.

In practice, "発明" is used to describe the creation of something new or original, often associated with technological inventions. For example, when talking about technological inventions that changed the world, such as the telephone or the light bulb, the Japanese would use "発明" to describe these inventions. In a world where innovation is key to advancement, this word maintains a relevant and significant meaning, representing progress and innovation within society.

An interesting fact about the use of the word in Japan is that it is not limited to scientific or technological contexts. 「発明」 can also be used in everyday situations when someone develops a new idea that solves a common problem. For example, a new cooking recipe or a creative solution to a household difficulty can also be considered an 「発明」。 This reflects a culture that values creativity and innovation in various aspects of life.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 発見 (Hakken) - discovery
• 創造 (Souzou) - Create something new, creation
• 発案 (Hatsu-an) - Proposal or suggestion of an idea
• アイデア (Aidea) - Idea, concept