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B1 verb #3,000 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

発見される

hakken sareru Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 発見される en 30 secondes

Explication 発見される in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn basic verbs like 'find' (mitsukeru) or 'be found' (mitsukaru). 'Hakken sareru' is a bit more advanced because it is a formal word. Think of it as the 'big brother' of 'mitsukaru.' While you might say 'I found my dog' using 'mitsuketa,' you would use 'hakken sareru' to talk about something very special, like a new island or a dinosaur bone. It is made of two parts: 'Hakken' (discovery) and 'sareru' (to be done/passive). Even at A1, you can recognize it in news headlines or science books. It always describes something that was hidden and then someone saw it for the first time. Just remember: 'mitsukaru' is for your socks, 'hakken sareru' is for a treasure chest! Using this word makes your Japanese sound very smart, even if you only know a few sentences. Try to notice it when you watch Japanese news or look at science posters. It's a great 'power word' to add to your vocabulary early on.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn passive grammar. 'Hakken sareru' is the passive form of 'Hakken suru' (to discover). In A2 Japanese, you might describe simple facts about the world. For example, 'A new star was discovered' (Atarashii hoshi ga hakken sareta). Notice how the object (star) comes first with the particle 'ga.' This word is very useful when you want to talk about history or science without saying exactly who did the action. It's formal, so you'll see it in textbooks. Compared to 'mitsukaru,' 'hakken sareru' sounds more like a professional report. If you find a 100-yen coin on the street, you use 'mitsukaru.' If an archaeologist finds an ancient coin in the ground, they use 'hakken sareru.' You should practice changing 'Hakken suru' into 'Hakken sareru' to get used to the 'suru/sareru' pattern, which is common for many Japanese verbs. This will help you understand news reports and more formal stories.

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As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle more formal and specific vocabulary. 'Hakken sareru' is a key B1 word because it frequently appears in news, academic writing, and formal discussions. You should now understand the nuance of the 'ni yotte' particle. In the sentence 'Shuresshu ga kagakusha ni yotte hakken sareta' (A new species was discovered by scientists), 'ni yotte' identifies the agent in a formal way. You should also distinguish 'hakken sareru' from 'hakkaku suru' (to be revealed/exposed). 'Hakken sareru' is usually for physical things or scientific truths, while 'hakkaku suru' is often for secrets or scandals. At this level, you can use 'hakken sareru' to discuss your interests, such as 'A new cure for the disease was discovered.' This word allows you to participate in more intellectual conversations. It is important to realize that this is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese) word, which gives it a more serious tone than native Japanese verbs. Practice using it in writing assignments about history or science.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'hakken sareru' in complex sentence structures and understanding its use in abstract contexts. Beyond just physical objects, 'hakken sareru' can be used to describe the discovery of new phenomena or social trends. For example, 'A new psychological effect was discovered.' You should also be able to use the 'te-iru' form: 'hakken sarete-iru' (has been discovered/is discovered). This indicates a state where something was found in the past and is currently known. You might encounter this in sophisticated literature or advanced news analysis. You should also be aware of the register; using 'hakken sareru' in a very casual conversation about a lost pen would be seen as humorous or ironic because the word is so formal. At B2, you should also be comparing it to more specific verbs like 'kenshutsu sareru' (to be detected) for laboratory settings. Your ability to choose 'hakken sareru' over 'mitsukaru' demonstrates a high level of linguistic sensitivity and an understanding of Japanese social hierarchy and formality.

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For C1 learners, 'hakken sareru' is a fundamental building block for academic and professional discourse. You should look at the etymology of the kanji: 'Hatsu' (発 - to emit/start) and 'Ken' (見 - to see). This implies bringing something to light so it can be seen. In C1 contexts, you will see this verb used in passive constructions that involve complex modifiers. For example, 'The ruins, which had been buried for centuries, were discovered during the construction of the new subway line.' You should also be able to navigate the nuances between 'hakken sareru' and 'miidasareru' (to be discovered/picked out). While 'hakken' is for things that already existed but were unknown, 'miidasu' often implies recognizing value or potential that others missed. In a business context, you might discuss how a new market niche was 'discovered' (hakken sareta). At this level, your usage should be flawless, including the correct use of honorifics if the discovery was made by a highly respected person, though the passive form itself already provides a level of formal distance.

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At the C2 level, 'hakken sareru' is used with total precision within the broader landscape of Japanese 'kango.' You understand that this word sits at the intersection of objective reporting and historical narrative. You might analyze how the use of 'hakken sareru' in historical texts can sometimes reflect a specific viewpoint (e.g., 'The continent was discovered' vs. 'The continent was invaded'). You are also proficient in using the word in philosophical or highly abstract ways, such as 'The truth was discovered within the silence.' You can effortlessly switch between 'hakken sareru' and its more specialized cousins like 'shiteki sareru' (to be pointed out) or 'kyumei sareru' (to be investigated and clarified). Your understanding of the word includes its prosody and how it fits into the rhythm of a formal speech or a high-level academic paper. At this stage, you are not just learning the word; you are mastering its power to shape the narrative of reality and knowledge in the Japanese language.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

発見される en 30 secondes

Formal passive verb meaning 'to be discovered.'
Used for science, history, news, and formal reports.
Differs from 'mitsukaru' by emphasizing importance and novelty.
Commonly paired with 'ni yotte' to show who made the discovery.

The Japanese verb 発見される (hakken sareru) is the passive form of the verb 発見する (hakken suru), which translates to 'to discover.' In Japanese grammar, the passive voice is frequently used to describe events where the focus is on the object being affected rather than the person performing the action. When we use 発見される, we are saying that something was 'discovered' or 'found out,' often in a context that implies a significant, scientific, or unexpected revelation. This word belongs to the category of kango (Sino-Japanese words), which generally carry a more formal or academic nuance compared to pure Japanese words like mitsukaru (to be found).

Formal Contexts: You will most commonly encounter this word in news reports, scientific journals, and historical documentaries. For example, when a new archaeological site is unearthed or a new planet is spotted by a telescope, the media will use 発見される to emphasize the discovery itself as a milestone for society or science.
Scientific Nuance: In chemistry, biology, or physics, when a new element, species, or law of nature is identified, this verb is the standard choice. It implies a systematic search or a breakthrough that adds to the collective human knowledge.

"Deep in the Amazon rainforest, a previously unknown species of butterfly was 発見された (discovered)."

Understanding the difference between 発見される and its synonyms is crucial for B1 learners. While 見つかる (mitsukaru) is used for finding lost keys or a missing person in a casual setting, 発見される suggests that what was found was previously unknown to the world or required effort to uncover. It is not just about 'finding' something that was lost; it is about 'discovering' something that was hidden or unknown.

その遺跡は19世紀に発見されました。(The ruins were discovered in the 19th century.)

Social Context: It can also be used in criminal investigations or social scandals. If evidence is 'discovered' by the police, 発見される adds a layer of officiality to the report.

In summary, use this word when the act of finding is monumental, formal, or involves revealing something new to a group or the public. It elevates the tone of your Japanese from 'finding' things to 'uncovering' truths and 'discovering' wonders.

Using 発見される (hakken sareru) correctly requires a grasp of passive sentence structures. In Japanese, the object being discovered becomes the subject of the sentence and is marked with the particle が (ga) or は (wa). If you wish to specify who made the discovery, you use the particle によって (ni yotte), which is the standard 'by' marker in formal passive constructions.

Basic Structure: [Object] が [Discoverer] によって発見される。
Example: 新種のウイルスが科学者によって発見された。(A new type of virus was discovered by scientists.)

犯人の車が海岸で発見されました。(The culprit's car was discovered at the coast.)

One common nuance of the passive voice in Japanese is the 'adversative passive,' which implies a negative impact on the subject. However, 発見される is generally used in a 'neutral passive' or 'direct passive' sense, simply stating a fact. It describes the state of something coming into view or knowledge. In academic writing, using the passive voice makes the text sound more objective and authoritative.

この洞窟では、古い壁画が発見されたことで有名です。(This cave is famous for the fact that old murals were discovered [there].)

Tense Variations

発見される: (Present/Future) To be discovered.
発見された: (Past) Was discovered.
発見されている: (Present Progressive/State) Has been discovered (and is currently known).

When describing a discovery that occurred in the past but still has relevance today, 発見されている is often used. For example, 'Many artifacts have been discovered in this area' would be 'この地域では多くの遺物が発見されている'. This emphasizes the ongoing state of discovery or the current collection of found items.

You will hear 発見される (hakken sareru) most frequently in environments where information is being conveyed formally. It is a staple of the Japanese news cycle. Whenever a news anchor reports on a breakthrough or a find, they will use this term. It provides a level of professional distance and objectivity that is essential for journalism.

「本日、山中で行方不明になっていた男性が、無事に発見されました。」(Today, a man who had gone missing in the mountains was safely discovered/found.)

Educational Media: Documentaries on NHK or educational YouTube channels frequently use this word. Whether it's about space exploration, deep-sea biology, or historical excavations, 発見される is the primary verb for revealing new findings to the audience. It sounds much more sophisticated than saying something was 'found' (mitsukatta).
Mystery and Crime Fiction: In Japanese detective novels (mystery) or anime like 'Detective Conan,' investigators will often say things like 'A decisive piece of evidence was discovered at the scene.' This adds a layer of dramatic weight to the revelation.

新薬の副作用が発見されたため、治験は中止されました。(Because side effects of the new drug were discovered, the clinical trial was cancelled.)

In everyday conversation, you might hear it if someone is talking about a 'hidden gem' of a restaurant or a new talent. 'He was discovered by a talent scout' would be '彼はスカウトに発見された' (though miidasareta might also be used there). It implies the person was 'hidden' and then 'found' by someone with a keen eye.

The most common mistake learners make with 発見される (hakken sareru) is confusing it with the simpler verb 見つかる (mitsukaru). While both can be translated as 'to be found,' their usage is quite different. Using 発見される for trivial daily items can sound very strange or overly dramatic to a native speaker.

Mistake: Using it for lost personal items: Incorrect: 家の鍵が発見されました。(My house keys were discovered.)
Correct: 家の鍵が見つかりました。(My house keys were found.)
Explanation: Keys are not a 'discovery' in the scientific or formal sense. They were just lost and then found.

❌ 「冷蔵庫の中に古いチーズが発見された。」 (Overly dramatic/formal)
✅ 「冷蔵庫の中に古いチーズが見つかった。」 (Natural)

Another mistake involves the choice of particles. Beginners often use に (ni) instead of によって (ni yotte) to indicate the agent. In formal passive sentences like those using 発見される, によって is the standard way to denote the creator or discoverer. Using に can sometimes change the meaning or sound unnatural in this specific context.

Finally, ensure you are using the passive form correctly. Some learners accidentally use the active form 発見する when they mean the passive. Remember that 発見した means 'I discovered it,' while 発見された means 'It was discovered.'

While 発見される (hakken sareru) is a powerful word, Japanese offers several alternatives depending on the context and the 'weight' of the discovery. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker.

見つかる (Mitsukaru): The most common way to say 'to be found.' Use this for lost items, finding a job, or finding a person. It is neutral and can be used in almost any daily situation.
見出される (Miidasareru): This means 'to be picked out' or 'to be discovered' in the sense of talent or potential. It is often used for athletes, artists, or hidden qualities. Example: 彼の才能が監督に見出された。(His talent was discovered by the director.)
検出される (Kenshutsu sareru): This specifically means 'to be detected.' It is used in technical contexts like detecting radiation, chemicals in a sample, or errors in a computer program.

食品から有害物質が検出されました。(Harmful substances were detected in the food.)

If you are talking about discovering a secret or a crime that was hidden, the word 発覚する (hakkaku suru) is more appropriate. It carries a negative connotation of something bad coming to light. For example, 'The corruption was discovered' would be '汚職が発覚した'.

In summary, choose your word based on the importance of the find and the context. 発見される remains the most versatile choice for formal, positive, or scientific 'discoveries.'

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'Hatsu' in 'Hakken' is the same 'Hatsu' in 'Hatsumei' (Invention) and 'Hassha' (Launch). It implies a dynamic outward movement.

Guide de prononciation

UK /hak.keɴ sa.re.ru/

US /hak.keɴ sa.re.ru/

Pitch accent is low-high-high-high-high-high (Heiban style), but can vary slightly based on the sentence.

Rime avec

Arawareru (to appear) Wasureraru (to be forgotten) Umareru (to be born) Tateru (to stand) Taberareru (to be eaten) Mirareru (to be seen) Kikareru (to be heard) Oshierareru (to be taught)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'hakken' as 'haken' (missing the double 'k').
Treating 'sareru' as 'sareru' with an English 'r'.
Confusing the passive 'sareru' with the causative 'saseru'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge.

Écriture 3/5

Passive conjugation of 'suru' verbs must be mastered.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires distinguishing from 'mitsukaru' to sound natural.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation, common in news.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

発見する見つける見つかるされること

Apprends ensuite

発明される発掘される開発される特定される証明される

Avancé

顕在化する露見する看破する

Grammaire à connaître

Passive Voice (〜される)

書かれる, 言われる, 発見される

Agent marker 'ni yotte'

科学者によって発見される

Noun + suru / sareru

研究する / 研究される

Te-iru for resulting state

発見されている (is discovered)

Relative clauses with passive verbs

発見された遺跡 (the discovered ruins)

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Exemples par niveau

新しい星が発見されました。

A new star was discovered.

Simple passive past tense.

公園で珍しい鳥が発見された。

A rare bird was discovered in the park.

Informal passive past tense.

宝物が発見されるかもしれません。

Treasure might be discovered.

Using kamoshirenai (might).

ここで何が発見されましたか？

What was discovered here?

Question form.

古い本が発見された。

An old book was discovered.

Simple object + ga.

新しい島が発見される。

A new island is discovered.

Present tense for general facts.

虫が発見されました。

An insect was discovered.

Formal polite form.

きれいな石が発見された。

A beautiful stone was discovered.

Adjective + noun + ga.

その遺跡は100年前に発見されました。

That ruin was discovered 100 years ago.

Time marker + passive.

新種の植物が森で発見された。

A new species of plant was discovered in the forest.

Location marker 'de'.

犯人のカバンが発見されたそうです。

I heard that the culprit's bag was discovered.

Sou desu (I heard that).

地下から古いコインが発見されました。

Old coins were discovered from underground.

Source marker 'kara'.

この薬は偶然発見された。

This medicine was discovered by chance.

Adverb 'guuzen' (by chance).

ダイヤモンドが山で発見されました。

Diamonds were discovered in the mountains.

Polite passive.

新しい道が発見された。

A new path was discovered.

Simple noun discovery.

恐竜の骨が発見された。

Dinosaur bones were discovered.

Possessive 'no'.

新種のウイルスが科学者によって発見された。

A new virus was discovered by scientists.

Agent marker 'ni yotte'.

その彗星は日本の学生によって発見されました。

That comet was discovered by a Japanese student.

Formal passive with 'ni yotte'.

未解決事件の証拠が発見された。

Evidence of an unsolved case was discovered.

Compound noun 'mikaiketsu jiken'.

海底で沈没船が発見されたというニュースです。

It is news that a sunken ship was discovered on the seabed.

Noun clause with 'to iu'.

副作用が発見されたため、販売が中止された。

Because side effects were discovered, sales were stopped.

Reasoning with 'tame'.

彼の才能は、ある有名な監督によって発見された。

His talent was discovered by a famous director.

Abstract discovery (talent).

この地域では、多くの化石が発見されている。

Many fossils have been discovered in this area.

State of being 'te-iru'.

新しい銀河がNASAによって発見されました。

A new galaxy was discovered by NASA.

Proper noun + ni yotte.

その理論の誤りが、最近になって発見された。

The error in that theory was discovered only recently.

Discovery of an abstract concept (error).

古代都市の跡が衛星写真から発見された。

Traces of an ancient city were discovered from satellite photos.

Source 'kara' with technology.

新薬の有効性が、臨床試験で発見された。

The effectiveness of the new drug was discovered in clinical trials.

Discovery of a property/effect.

盗まれた絵画が、倉庫の奥で発見されました。

The stolen painting was discovered in the back of a warehouse.

Relative clause 'nusumareta'.

この現象は、20世紀初頭に発見されたものです。

This phenomenon is something that was discovered in the early 20th century.

Nominalizer 'mono' for explanation.

システムに重大な欠陥が発見された。

A serious flaw was discovered in the system.

Technical discovery (flaw).

彼の二重生活が、妻によって発見された。

His double life was discovered by his wife.

Discovery of a secret.

未踏の地で新しい部族が発見された。

A new tribe was discovered in an unexplored land.

Discovery of a social group.

その古文書は、偶然にも寺の蔵で発見された。

That ancient manuscript was, by chance, discovered in the temple's storehouse.

Adverbial 'guuzen ni mo' for emphasis.

アインシュタインの予言した重力波が、ついに発見された。

The gravitational waves predicted by Einstein were finally discovered.

Complex relative clause.

この論文により、従来の説の矛盾が発見された。

Through this paper, contradictions in the conventional theory were discovered.

Method 'ni yori'.

埋蔵金が発見されたという噂は、瞬く間に広がった。

The rumor that buried gold was discovered spread in the blink of an eye.

Appositive clause 'to iu'.

遺伝子の配列に特異なパターンが発見された。

A unique pattern was discovered in the genetic sequence.

Technical/Scientific context.

長年行方不明だった名画が、他人の家で発見されるという数奇な運命を辿った。

The famous painting, missing for years, followed a strange fate of being discovered in someone else's house.

Complex narrative structure.

考古学的な価値が発見されたため、工事は一時中断された。

Because archaeological value was discovered, the construction was temporarily suspended.

Abstract value discovery.

不正な取引の証拠が、内部調査によって発見された。

Evidence of illegal transactions was discovered through an internal investigation.

Formal administrative context.

深海という極限環境において、生命の新たな可能性が発見された。

In the extreme environment of the deep sea, new possibilities for life were discovered.

Advanced locative 'ni oite'.

沈黙の中にこそ、真実が発見されることがある。

It is precisely within silence that truth is sometimes discovered.

Philosophical usage with 'koso'.

宇宙の膨張速度が加速していることが発見され、物理学界に衝撃を与えた。

The fact that the expansion rate of the universe is accelerating was discovered, shocking the world of physics.

Causal connection 'shite'.

その作家の未発表の原稿が、死後数十年を経て発見された。

The author's unpublished manuscript was discovered decades after their death.

Time duration 'o hete'.

言語の壁を越えて、共通の感性が発見される瞬間は美しい。

The moment when a common sensibility is discovered across language barriers is beautiful.

Abstract/Humanistic discovery.

微細な差異の中にこそ、進化の鍵が発見されるのである。

It is within minute differences that the key to evolution is discovered.

Explanatory 'no de aru'.

歴史の闇に葬られていた事実が、新資料の出現により発見された。

Facts that had been buried in the darkness of history were discovered through the emergence of new materials.

Metaphorical language.

量子力学の新たな法則が発見されるたびに、我々の世界観は更新される。

Every time a new law of quantum mechanics is discovered, our worldview is updated.

Conditional 'tabi ni' (every time).

Synonymes

見つかる見出される検出される露呈する発覚する解明される掘り出される特定される

Antonymes

隠される紛失する見逃される埋もれる

Collocations courantes

新種が発見される

遺体が発見される

証拠が発見される

遺跡が発見される

誤りが発見される

才能が発見される

ウイルスが発見される

彗星が発見される

欠陥が発見される

法則が発見される

Phrases Courantes

偶然発見される

— To be discovered by chance.

その金貨は偶然発見された。

ついに発見される

— To finally be discovered.

伝説の島がついに発見された。

世界で初めて発見される

— To be discovered for the first time in the world.

この花は世界で初めて発見された。

〜によって発見される

— To be discovered by [someone].

それは彼によって発見された。

再発見される

— To be rediscovered.

その価値が再発見された。

至る所で発見される

— To be discovered everywhere.

その化石は至る所で発見される。

早期に発見される

— To be discovered early (e.g., illness).

病気が早期に発見された。

死後発見される

— To be discovered after death.

遺作が死後発見された。

偶然の産物として発見される

— To be discovered as a byproduct of chance.

新薬は偶然の産物として発見された。

科学的に発見される

— To be discovered scientifically.

その事実は科学的に発見された。

Souvent confondu avec

発見される vs 見つかる

Mitsukaru is casual; Hakken sareru is formal/monumental.

発見される vs 発覚する

Hakkaku is for secrets/crimes; Hakken is for things/truths.

発見される vs 発明される

Hatsumei is 'invented'; Hakken is 'discovered' (it already existed).

Expressions idiomatiques

"掘り出し物が発見される"

— To find a lucky bargain or a person of hidden talent.

古本屋で掘り出し物が発見された。

Daily/Metaphorical

"新天地が発見される"

— To discover a new world or a new field of activity.

ビジネスの新天地が発見された。

Metaphorical

"盲点が発見される"

— To discover a blind spot or something overlooked.

計画の盲点が発見された。

Professional

"突破口が発見される"

— To discover a breakthrough.

交渉の突破口が発見された。

Formal

"共通点が発見される"

— To discover common ground.

二人の間に共通点が発見された。

Neutral

"解決策が発見される"

— To discover a solution.

問題の解決策が発見された。

Business

"真実が発見される"

— To discover the truth.

隠されていた真実が発見された。

Literary

"新事実が発見される"

— To discover a new fact.

裁判で新事実が発見された。

News

"美が発見される"

— To discover beauty (in something).

日常の中に美が発見される。

Artistic

"可能性が発見される"

— To discover potential.

若者の可能性が発見された。

Educational

Facile à confondre

発見される vs 見出す

Both mean discover.

Miidasu implies finding value/talent. Hakken is more general.

才能を見出した。

発見される vs 検出

Both used in science.

Kenshutsu is for technical detection (traces). Hakken is for the whole object.

成分を検出した。

発見される vs 特定

Both involve finding.

Tokutei is identifying 'which one' or 'where'. Hakken is 'that it exists'.

犯人を特定した。

発見される vs 発掘

Archaeology context.

Hakkutsu is specifically 'excavating/digging up'. Hakken is the act of discovery.

遺跡を発掘した。

発見される vs 露見

Revealing secrets.

Roken is purely for secrets/crimes coming to light. Hakken is neutral/positive.

悪事が露見した。

Structures de phrases

[Object] が [Place] で発見された。

恐竜の骨が山で発見された。

[Object] が [Agent] によって発見された。

新しい星が学生によって発見された。

偶然 [Object] が発見された。

偶然、古い手紙が発見された。

[Object] が発見されたというニュース。

新種が発見されたというニュースを聞いた。

[Object] が発見されたことで、 [Effect]。

証拠が発見されたことで、事件が解決した。

[Object] が発見されるに至った。

長年の調査により、ついに遺跡が発見されるに至った。

[Object] が発見される可能性が高い。

このエリアでは石油が発見される可能性が高い。

[Object] が発見されるやいなや、 [Action]。

お宝が発見されるやいなや、人々が押し寄せた。

Famille de mots

Noms

発見 (Hakken - Discovery)

発見者 (Hakkensha - Discoverer)

Verbes

発見する (Hakken suru - To discover)

発見させる (Hakken saseru - To let/make discover)

Adjectifs

発見的な (Hakkenteki na - Heuristic/Discovery-oriented)

Apparenté

見つける

見つかる

探す

発明

発掘

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in media and science; moderate in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'ni' for the agent in formal writing. → ni yotte
In formal passive sentences, 'ni yotte' is the standard agent marker.
Using 'hakken sareru' for lost keys. → mitsukaru
Keys are not significant enough for 'hakken' unless they are ancient artifacts.
Confusing 'hakken' with 'hatsumei'. → hakken (for existing things)
You discover (hakken) a planet, but you invent (hatsumei) a telescope.
Saying 'hakken shita' when you mean 'was discovered'. → hakken sareta
This is a basic active vs passive confusion.
Using 'hakken sareru' for a secret scandal. → hakkaku suru
Hakkaku is the specific term for bad things coming to light.

Astuces

Passive Ending

Always remember that 'suru' verbs become 'sareru' in the passive. This is a consistent rule for all kango verbs.

Scale Matters

Use this word for things that feel 'big.' If it’s worth a news headline, it’s worth 'hakken sareru'.

Scientific Reports

In academic writing, prefer the passive 'hakken sareru' to avoid using 'I' or 'We'.

Detective Talk

If you are roleplaying or writing a story, use this word when the hero finds the key evidence.

By whom?

Always use 'ni yotte' if you want to name the scientist or explorer in a formal way.

Noun usage

Don't forget the noun form 'Shin-hakken' (New discovery), which is very common in titles.

Nobel Prizes

Read Japanese news about Nobel prizes to see this word used in its highest register.

Don't confuse with Invent

Discovery (Hakken) is finding what exists. Invention (Hatsumei) is making something new.

Hatch-Ken

Think of hatching an egg to see (Ken) what is inside. You discovered it!

Suffix focus

Focus on the 'sareru' suffix to instantly know the sentence is passive.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'Hatch' (Hatsu) opening and you 'Ken' (see) what was inside. It was 'discovered'!

Association visuelle

A scientist looking through a microscope (Hatsu-Ken) and finding a tiny glowing alien.

Word Web

Science Archeology News Mystery Stars Fossils Truth Bacteria

Défi

Try to find three things in your room that could be 'discovered' by a scientist and describe them using 'hakken sareru'.

Origine du mot

From Middle Chinese roots. 'Hatsu' (発) means to emit, discharge, or start. 'Ken' (見) means to see or observe.

Sens originel : To bring something into sight; to reveal something hidden.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using it for people; 'discovered' can sound like they were an object unless referring to their 'talent'.

In English, we often use 'found' for almost everything. In Japanese, the distinction between 'mitsukaru' and 'hakken sareru' is much sharper.

The discovery of the 'Manyoshu' manuscripts. The discovery of the Hachimantai ruins. Scientific reports on iPS cells.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Science News

新種が発見された
画期的な発見
実験の結果
裏付けられた

Archaeology

遺跡が発見された
古代の遺物
発掘調査
歴史的価値

Police Reports

遺体が発見された
証拠品
現場付近
捜査の過程で

Astronomy

新星が発見された
観測データ
望遠鏡によって
宇宙の謎

Daily Life (Figurative)

いいお店を発見された
才能を発見された
意外な一面
新しい自分

Amorces de conversation

"最近、ニュースで何か面白いものが発見されたのを見ましたか？"

"もし新しい島を発見されたら、どんな名前にしますか？"

"あなたの町で、何か歴史的なものが発見されたことはありますか？"

"科学者が月で水を発見されたとき、どう思いましたか？"

"偶然、素敵なカフェを発見されたことはありますか？"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、散歩をしていて何か新しい「発見」はありましたか？

将来、どのような技術が発見される（発明される）と思いますか？

自分が誰かに「才能を発見された」としたら、それは何だと思いますか？

歴史の中で、最も重要だと思う発見について書いてください。

もし宇宙人が発見されたら、世界はどう変わるでしょうか？

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It sounds very weird. It's like saying 'A great discovery of my wallet was made.' Use 'mitsukaru' instead.

'Hakken shita' is active (I discovered). 'Hakken sareta' is passive (It was discovered).

Yes, especially in mystery or sci-fi anime when a clue or a new power is found.

Not usually. It is neutral. However, 'hakkaku suru' is used for discoveries of bad things.

Yes, in the news for missing persons (yukue-fumeisha ga hakken sareta) or if a talent scout finds a star.

Watashi wa hakken sareta. (e.g., by a scout).

Yes, 'hakken' is a noun meaning 'discovery.' Adding 'suru' makes it a verb.

Use 'de' for the location where the discovery happened.

You can, but it sounds like you are a food critic or explorer. 'Mitsuketa' is more common for friends.

Yes, for discovering new markets or flaws in a product.

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