To emit light, whether it is a physical object glowing or a person shining with talent.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To emit or radiate light from a source.
- Used both for physical light and metaphorical talent.
- Commonly associated with stars, lamps, or personal success.
常见语境：在日常生活中，常用于描述电器（如手机屏幕、灯具）的状态；在文学创作或演讲中，常用于激励他人，如“金子总会发光”，意指有才华的人终会被发现。
- 1近义词辨析：与“闪烁”相比，“发光”强调的是产生光这一动作或状态，而“闪烁”更侧重于光线忽明忽暗的动态变化。与“发亮”相比，“发亮”更多指物体表面反射光线后的状态（如皮肤发亮），而“发光”则是物体自身作为光源。
Examples
夜晚的星星在发光。
everydayThe stars are glowing at night.
他终于在自己的领域发光发热了。
formalHe finally started to shine in his field.
这块手表在黑暗中能发光。
informalThis watch can glow in the dark.
这种材料具有发光特性。
academicThis material has luminescent properties.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
金子总会发光
Gold will always shine (True talent will always be recognized).
发光二极管
Light Emitting Diode (LED).
发光体
Luminous body.
Often Confused With
Reflect light. Use this when an object is not the source but is bouncing light off its surface.
Flicker or twinkle. Use this when the light is unstable or changing intensity.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. When used metaphorically, it often appears in professional contexts to praise someone's contribution. Ensure the subject is actually the source of light to avoid misuse.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe objects that are merely reflecting light, like mirrors or polished surfaces. Remember that '发光' implies the object is the primary source of light. Also, avoid using it for things that are simply 'shiny' due to texture.
Tips
Use for both literal and figurative
Remember that you can use this word for both light bulbs and people. It is a very versatile word for expressing brightness or success.
Do not confuse with reflection
If an object is just reflecting light, use '反光' instead of '发光'. '发光' implies the object is the source.
The 'Gold' metaphor
In Chinese culture, '金子总会发光' (Gold will always shine) is a famous saying. It encourages people to remain confident even if their talents are not yet recognized.
Word Origin
The character '发' means to emit or send out, and '光' means light. Combined, they literally describe the action of sending out light.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'shining' is often linked to personal moral standing and professional achievement. It is a positive term used to encourage hard work.
Memory Tip
Think of a light bulb (灯泡). The 'bulb' is the source of the 'light' (光). If it's working, it is '发光'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“发光”是一个持续的状态，指物体本身放射光线。而“闪光”通常指光线瞬间出现或忽明忽暗，侧重于频率和动态感。
可以。当形容人的眼睛“发光”时，通常表示那个人感到兴奋、充满希望或极度专注，是一种修辞手法。
这是一个常用的习语，原指灯具的功能，现在常用来比喻一个人为社会或集体贡献自己的力量和才华。
它通常是不及物动词，后面不需要接宾语。我们不说“发光某物”，而说“某物在发光”。
Test Yourself
黑暗中，那只萤火虫正在___。
萤火虫是自身产生光，因此用发光。
下列哪个选项最符合“发光”的用法？
太阳是天然光源，符合发光的定义。
请用“发光”造句。
该词既可描述物理现象，也可用于比喻。
Score: /3
Summary
To emit light, whether it is a physical object glowing or a person shining with talent.
- To emit or radiate light from a source.
- Used both for physical light and metaphorical talent.
- Commonly associated with stars, lamps, or personal success.
Use for both literal and figurative
Remember that you can use this word for both light bulbs and people. It is a very versatile word for expressing brightness or success.
Do not confuse with reflection
If an object is just reflecting light, use '反光' instead of '发光'. '发光' implies the object is the source.
The 'Gold' metaphor
In Chinese culture, '金子总会发光' (Gold will always shine) is a famous saying. It encourages people to remain confident even if their talents are not yet recognized.
Examples
4 of 4夜晚的星星在发光。
The stars are glowing at night.
他终于在自己的领域发光发热了。
He finally started to shine in his field.
这块手表在黑暗中能发光。
This watch can glow in the dark.
这种材料具有发光特性。
This material has luminescent properties.
