The word captures the transition from hidden potential or buried history to active, visible value.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To unearth buried physical objects or archaeological sites.
- To identify and develop hidden talents or potential.
- To explore and reveal deep, underlying value or truth.
Overview
- 1概述：发掘（fājué）是一个由“发”（发射、显露）和“掘”（挖掘）组成的动词。它既有物理层面的挖掘含义，也有抽象层面的发现含义。在现代汉语中，它多指通过努力使原本不为人知或被掩盖的事物变得清晰可见。2) 使用模式：该词通常带有褒义，常与“潜力”、“人才”、“史迹”、“真相”等宾语搭配。作为及物动词，它强调的是一个过程，即从无到有、从深到浅的探索过程。3) 常见语境：考古学是该词最常用的语境，例如“发掘古墓”；在职场或教育中，它常用来指“发掘人才”或“发掘某人的艺术天分”。此外，在文学评论中，也常用它来指“发掘作品的深层内涵”。4) 近义词辨析：与“发现”相比，“发掘”更强调投入了巨大的努力且对象往往是深藏的；与“挖掘”相比，“发掘”更侧重于发现价值，而“挖掘”侧重于动作本身，有时可以指纯粹的体力劳动。因此，在表达发现隐藏的价值时，“发掘”比“挖掘”更具文学色彩和深度感。
Examples
考古学家在沙漠中发掘出了一座古代城市。
everydayArchaeologists unearthed an ancient city in the desert.
我们需要进一步发掘市场的需求。
formalWe need to further explore market demand.
他很有才华，只是还没被发掘出来。
informalHe is very talented, but he hasn't been discovered yet.
该研究旨在发掘民间艺术的深层价值。
academicThe study aims to unearth the deep value of folk art.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
有待发掘
yet to be discovered
深度发掘
in-depth exploration
发掘价值
uncover value
Often Confused With
发现 is general and can refer to seeing something by chance. 发掘 implies active, purposeful searching and digging.
挖掘 is more literal and mechanical, often used for physical earth-moving. 发掘 is more abstract and value-oriented.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is formal and carries a positive, intellectual connotation. It is rarely used in casual, everyday domestic conversations unless discussing professional topics. Ensure the object of the verb is something that possesses hidden value.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it for simple physical digging (e.g., digging a hole in the garden), which is incorrect. Another error is using it for finding common objects (e.g., finding a lost key), where '找到' or '发现' would be more natural.
Tips
Focus on the hidden value
Always use '发掘' when the object has potential or historical significance. It implies that the thing was not obvious before you put in the effort.
Avoid literal physical labor
Do not use this word for simple manual labor like digging a hole for a fence. Stick to contexts involving discovery and value.
Archaeological significance
In Chinese culture, archaeological '发掘' is a highly respected activity. It is associated with preserving national history and pride.
Word Origin
The character '发' implies shooting or revealing, and '掘' specifically refers to the act of digging. Together, they represent the act of uncovering something valuable that was once buried or hidden.
Cultural Context
Archaeology is highly valued in Chinese society as a way to connect with the long history of the civilization. Therefore, '发掘' carries a sense of respect and seriousness.
Memory Tip
Think of an archaeologist brushing dirt off a golden artifact. The 'brushing/digging' is '掘', and the 'revealing' is '发'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“挖掘”侧重于动作，多用于体力劳动或具体的挖土行为；“发掘”则带有明显的褒义，侧重于发现并利用其价值，常用于人才、潜力或文化遗产。
不建议。挖坑通常直接使用“挖掘”或“挖”，使用“发掘”会显得过于正式且语义不符，因为“发掘”暗示了挖掘对象是有价值的。
常用于人才招聘或管理，例如“公司致力于发掘有潜力的年轻员工”，意指发现并培养人才。
是的，它属于书面语，常出现在新闻报道、学术论文或正式的工作总结中。
Test Yourself
这位教练非常善于___年轻运动员的潜力。
发掘潜力是固定搭配，强调从无到有的开发过程。
A. 他在路边发掘了一个坑。 B. 考古学家正在发掘古城遗址。 C. 我发掘了我的钱包。 D. 厨师发掘了食材。
考古学是发掘最典型的应用场景。
选择正确的短语组合。
发掘常用于抽象事物或具有文化意义的对象。
Score: /3
Summary
The word captures the transition from hidden potential or buried history to active, visible value.
- To unearth buried physical objects or archaeological sites.
- To identify and develop hidden talents or potential.
- To explore and reveal deep, underlying value or truth.
Focus on the hidden value
Always use '发掘' when the object has potential or historical significance. It implies that the thing was not obvious before you put in the effort.
Avoid literal physical labor
Do not use this word for simple manual labor like digging a hole for a fence. Stick to contexts involving discovery and value.
Archaeological significance
In Chinese culture, archaeological '发掘' is a highly respected activity. It is associated with preserving national history and pride.
Examples
4 of 4考古学家在沙漠中发掘出了一座古代城市。
Archaeologists unearthed an ancient city in the desert.
我们需要进一步发掘市场的需求。
We need to further explore market demand.
他很有才华，只是还没被发掘出来。
He is very talented, but he hasn't been discovered yet.
该研究旨在发掘民间艺术的深层价值。
The study aims to unearth the deep value of folk art.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
