This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun/verb #1,800 most common 7 min read

发明

faming Top 1,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 发明 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 发明 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '发明' (fāmíng) means 'to make something new' or 'a new thing'. You might hear it when talking about famous people like Thomas Edison or when looking at pictures of old tools. Think of it as 'making a new toy' or 'making a new machine'. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'He invented this' (他发明了这个). It is a noun and a verb. At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar; just remember it's about creating things that weren't there before. For example, 'Who invented the telephone?' (谁发明了电话？). It's a useful word for basic history or science topics. You will mostly see it in children's books or simple introductions to famous people. Just remember the sound 'fa-ming' and associate it with a lightbulb appearing over someone's head.

At the A2 level, you should start using '发明' (fāmíng) to describe simple objects and historical facts. You should be able to distinguish it from '做' (zuò - to do/make). While '做' is for making a cake or a chair, '发明' is for creating the *first* chair or a new *type* of machine. You can use the structure 'Subject + 发明了 + Object'. For example, 'Chinese people invented paper' (中国人发明了纸). You might also see it as a noun: 'This is a good invention' (这是一个好的发明). You should start to recognize it in short reading passages about technology or history. It's important to start noticing that '发明' is for things humans create, while '发现' (fāxiàn) is for things humans find. If you can use '发明' to talk about your favorite gadget, you are doing great at this level.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '发明' (fāmíng) more precisely in discussions about technology, history, and society. You should understand the difference between '发明' (invention) and '发现' (discovery) clearly. You can use it in the passive voice: 'The steam engine was invented by Watt' (蒸汽机是瓦特发明的). You should also be familiar with the word '发明家' (fāmíngjiā - inventor). At this level, you can discuss the impact of inventions on our lives. For example, 'Which invention do you think is the most important?' (你认为哪项发明最重要？). Notice the use of the measure word '项' (xiàng) here, which is more formal than '个'. You can also use it to talk about 'inventing a method' (发明一种方法). This level requires you to move beyond just naming objects and start talking about the process and the significance of the invention.

At the B2 level, '发明' (fāmíng) becomes a tool for more complex argumentation. You should be able to use it in contexts like intellectual property, patent law, and scientific research. You will encounter phrases like '发明专利' (invention patent) and '自主发明' (independent invention). You should be able to compare '发明' with '创新' (innovation) and '改进' (improvement). For instance, you might argue that 'Innovation is not just about invention, but also about the application of new ideas' (创新不仅是发明，还包括新想法的应用). You can use it in more formal writing, such as essays about the environment or the future of AI. Your sentences should be more complex, incorporating adverbs like '偶然' (by chance) or '经过多年努力' (after years of effort) to describe how something was invented. You should also be comfortable using it in the '是...的' construction to emphasize the inventor or the time of invention.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '发明' (fāmíng) and its role in academic and professional discourse. You will use it to discuss the philosophy of science, the history of civilization, and complex legal cases involving patents. You should be able to recognize metaphorical uses, though they are rare, and understand how '发明' fits into the broader category of '知识产权' (intellectual property rights). You can discuss the 'Four Great Inventions' (四大发明) in detail, explaining their global impact. You should also be able to use related formal verbs like '研制' (yánzhì - to develop and manufacture) or '首创' (shǒuchuàng - to originate/pioneer) to add variety to your speech and writing. At this level, you are expected to use '发明' in high-level debates about whether certain technologies (like AI or genetic engineering) are 'inventions' or 'discoveries' and the ethical implications thereof.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '发明' (fāmíng) is near-native. You can use it effortlessly in any context, from legal briefs to philosophical treatises. You understand the subtle differences between '发明' and highly specific terms like '创造性' (creativity/inventiveness in a patent sense). You can analyze the etymology of the word and its historical evolution in Chinese literature. You might use it in complex idiomatic or semi-formal structures, and you can appreciate its use in wordplay or sophisticated humor. You are capable of discussing the 'invented traditions' (被发明的传统) in a sociological context. Your usage is characterized by perfect collocations and an awareness of the register. Whether you are discussing the 'invention of the steam engine' or the 'invention of a new mathematical proof', you do so with precision, elegance, and a deep understanding of the cultural and historical weight the word carries in the Chinese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

发明 in 30 Seconds

发明 (fāmíng) means to invent or an invention. It refers to creating something entirely new, such as a machine, tool, or a specific technical method.
It is both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of creation; as a noun, it describes the resulting object or process.
Crucially, it differs from 发现 (fāxiàn - discovery). You invent a lightbulb, but you discover a new island or a scientific law like gravity.
It is a formal and common word in history and science, often associated with the 'Four Great Inventions' of ancient China: paper, compass, gunpowder, and printing.

The word 发明 (fāmíng) is a cornerstone of human progress in the Chinese language. It is composed of two characters: 发 (fā), which means to send out, emit, or start, and 明 (míng), which means bright, clear, or to understand. Together, they evoke the image of bringing something into the light of existence for the very first time. Unlike 'discovery' (发现 - fāxiàn), which refers to finding something that already existed but was unknown, 发明 specifically denotes the act of creation through human intellect and labor. It is the bridge between a theoretical idea and a tangible reality, often involving mechanical, chemical, or systemic innovation.

Core Concept: Original creation of a process, machine, or method that did not previously exist in nature or society.

爱迪生发明了电灯。 (Edison invented the light bulb.)

In a historical context, China is famous for the 'Four Great Inventions' (四大发明 - sì dà fāmíng): the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and printing. These are not just objects; they represent shifts in how humanity interacts with the world. When you use the word 发明, you are highlighting the ingenuity and the 'newness' of the object. It can be used as both a verb ('to invent') and a noun ('an invention'). For example, 'This is a great invention' would be '这是一个伟大的发明'.

Grammatical Flexibility: It functions as a transitive verb taking a direct object, or as a concrete/abstract noun.

这项发明改变了世界。 (This invention changed the world.)

Furthermore, 发明 can sometimes carry a slightly metaphorical or negative nuance in modern slang, such as 'inventing an excuse' (发明借口), though this is less common than the standard technical usage. In academic writing, it is often paired with 'patent' (专利) or 'innovation' (创新). Understanding the weight of this word requires recognizing the value placed on intellectual property and historical achievement in Chinese culture.

我们需要更多有用的发明。 (We need more useful inventions.)

Historical Significance: The term is deeply tied to the 'Four Great Inventions' which are a source of national pride in China.

造纸术是中国古代四大发明之一。 (Papermaking is one of the four great inventions of ancient China.)

谁发明了互联网？ (Who invented the internet?)

Using 发明 (fāmíng) correctly requires a clear distinction between the person doing the inventing and the object being invented. The most common sentence structure is [Subject] + 发明 + 了 + [Object]. This indicates a completed action in the past. Because inventions are often historical milestones, the particle 了 (le) is frequently used to denote the completion of the creative process.

Verb Usage: Used to describe the act of creating a new device or method. Example: 科学家发明了新药。

贝尔发明了电话。 (Bell invented the telephone.)

When used as a noun, 发明 often follows an adjective or a possessive. For instance, 'a great invention' (一个伟大的发明) or 'his invention' (他的发明). It is also common to see it in the passive voice using 被 (bèi), which is very useful in scientific or historical writing: [Object] + 是被 + [Subject] + 发明的.

Noun Usage: Refers to the result of the invention. Example: 这是一项伟大的发明。

这项发明获得了专利。 (This invention received a patent.)

Another important aspect is the measure word. For inventions, we typically use 项 (xiàng) for abstract or complex systems, or 个 (gè) for general items. '一项发明' sounds more professional and is used for things like 'a new method' or 'a significant technological breakthrough'.

他申请了一项新发明。 (He applied for a new invention [patent].)

Passive Voice: Structure: [Object] + 是 + [Person] + 发明的. Example: 蒸汽机是瓦特发明的。

指南针是中国人发明的。 (The compass was invented by the Chinese.)

他的发明非常实用。 (His invention is very practical.)

You will encounter 发明 (fāmíng) in a variety of settings, ranging from educational environments to modern tech news. In schools, students frequently learn about the 'Four Great Inventions' of ancient China, making it a high-frequency word in history textbooks. Teachers will ask, 'Who invented X?' or 'What are the benefits of this invention?'

Academic Context: Used in history, science, and technology classes to discuss human progress.

老师在讲四大发明。 (The teacher is talking about the Four Great Inventions.)

In the news, specifically technology and business sections, 发明 is used when a company or individual creates a groundbreaking new technology. You'll hear phrases like 'latest invention' (最新发明) or 'patented invention' (专利发明). It’s a word that carries prestige and indicates a high level of creativity.

Media & News: Used to report on scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements.

新闻报道了一项新发明。 (The news reported on a new invention.)

In professional settings, particularly in law and engineering, 发明 is a legal term. Patent offices deal with 'Invention Patents' (发明专利). If you are working in R&D (Research and Development), you will frequently use this word to describe the outputs of your team's work.

我们公司有很多发明专利。 (Our company has many invention patents.)

Legal/Business: Crucial in the context of Intellectual Property (IP) and patent applications.

这项发明受法律保护。 (This invention is protected by law.)

这是本世纪最重要的发明。 (This is the most important invention of this century.)

The most frequent error learners make is confusing 发明 (fāmíng) with 发现 (fāxiàn). While they look similar and both start with '发', their meanings are distinct. 发现 means 'to discover' something that already exists but was previously unknown (like a new species, a star, or a secret). 发明 means 'to invent' something that did not exist before (like a machine or a tool).

Mistake 1: Invention vs. Discovery: Incorrect: 哥伦布发明了美洲。 (Columbus invented America.) Correct: 哥伦布发现了美洲。

不要混淆发明和发现。 (Don't confuse invention and discovery.)

Another common mistake is using 发明 for software or creative works like books or movies. For software, use 开发 (kāifā). For books or art, use 创作 (chuàngzuò). 发明 is strictly for technical or mechanical innovations. You wouldn't say someone 'invented' a novel; you would say they 'wrote' or 'created' it.

Mistake 2: Overextending to Creative Arts: Incorrect: 他发明了一本小说。 (He invented a novel.) Correct: 他写了一本小说。

他发明了一种新的生产方法。 (He invented a new production method - Correct usage for a process.)

Lastly, learners sometimes forget the measure word 项 (xiàng) when speaking formally. While 个 (gè) is acceptable in casual speech, using 项 demonstrates a higher level of proficiency, especially when discussing patents or scientific achievements. Avoid saying '这个发明' in a formal presentation if you can say '这项发明'.

这是一项伟大的发明。 (This is a great invention.)

Mistake 3: Misusing '发明' for '创造': '创造' (chuàngzào) is more general (create). '发明' is specifically for new things/methods. You 'create' a miracle, you don't 'invent' a miracle.

人类发明了工具。 (Humans invented tools.)

牛顿发现了万有引力，不是发明了它。 (Newton discovered gravity, he didn't invent it.)

To truly master 发明 (fāmíng), you must understand how it relates to its synonyms. The most common related words are 发现 (fāxiàn), 创造 (chuàngzào), 改进 (gǎijìn), and 设计 (shèjì). Each has a specific nuance that changes the meaning of your sentence.

发明 vs. 发现 (Discovery): 发明 is for things that didn't exist (telephone). 发现 is for things that existed but were unknown (electricity).

瓦特发明了蒸汽机。 (Watt invented the steam engine.)

创造 (chuàngzào) is a much broader term. It means 'to create' and can be used for art, history, miracles, or even atmosphere. While all 发明 are 创造, not all 创造 are 发明. For example, you 'create' a new record in sports, but you don't 'invent' it.

发明 vs. 改进 (Improvement): 发明 is the first version. 改进 is making an existing version better. Example: 他改进了这台机器。

这不是发明，只是改进。 (This isn't an invention, just an improvement.)

设计 (shèjì) means 'to design'. It focuses on the plan, the look, or the structure of something. You can design a building (设计大楼), but you don't 'invent' a building unless it uses a completely new, never-before-seen structural concept. Design is often the step that follows or accompanies invention.

发明 vs. 设计 (Design): 设计 focuses on the blueprint or aesthetic. 发明 focuses on the functional creation of a new entity.

他发明了这种技术，然后设计了产品。 (He invented this technology, then designed the product.)

伟大的发明源于生活。 (Great inventions originate from life.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Use of '了' for completed actions.

The '是...的' construction for emphasis.

Measure words '项' vs '个'.

Passive voice with '被'.

Attributive clauses with '的'.

Examples by Level

他发明了这个。

He invented this.

Subject + Verb + Object

谁发明了电话？

Who invented the telephone?

Interrogative sentence

这是一个发明。

This is an invention.

Noun usage

我不发明东西。

I don't invent things.

Negative sentence

爱迪生发明了电灯。

Edison invented the light bulb.

Proper noun + Verb + Object

你想发明什么？

What do you want to invent?

Want to + Verb

他有很多发明。

He has many inventions.

Possessive + Noun

这个发明很有用。

This invention is very useful.

Adjective describing a noun

中国人发明了纸。

Chinese people invented paper.

Historical fact

他发明了一台新机器。

He invented a new machine.

Measure word '台' for machines

这是一项伟大的发明。

This is a great invention.

Measure word '项' for inventions

科学家发明了新药。

Scientists invented a new medicine.

Plural subject

他想发明一种新方法。

He wants to invent a new method.

Inventing a 'method' (方法)

谁发明了电脑？

Who invented the computer?

Simple question

这个发明改变了生活。

This invention changed life.

Verb '改变' (change)

他的发明很有名。

His invention is very famous.

Adjective '有名' (famous)

蒸汽机是瓦特发明的。

The steam engine was invented by Watt.

Passive structure '是...的'

你认为哪项发明最重要？

Which invention do you think is the most important?

Comparative/Superlative context

他是一位伟大的发明家。

He is a great inventor.

Noun '发明家' (inventor)

这项发明获得了专利。

This invention received a patent.

Collocation with '专利' (patent)

人类发明了火吗？不，是发现。

Did humans invent fire? No, they discovered it.

Contrast between 发明 and 发现

这种技术是最近发明的。

This technology was recently invented.

Adverb '最近' (recently)

他把一生都献给了发明。

He dedicated his whole life to invention.

Noun usage in a prepositional phrase

我们需要更多有用的发明。

We need more useful inventions.

Plural noun usage

这项发明对人类有深远的影响。

This invention has a profound impact on humanity.

Collocation '有深远的影响'

他申请了一项发明专利。

He applied for an invention patent.

Specific legal term '发明专利'

并不是所有的发明都成功了。

Not all inventions were successful.

Partial negation '并不是所有'

这项发明是偶然发现的结果。

This invention was the result of an accidental discovery.

Complex relationship between invention and discovery

他试图发明一种永动机。

He tried to invent a perpetual motion machine.

Verb '试图' (try/attempt)

这项发明解决了许多难题。

This invention solved many difficult problems.

Verb '解决' (solve)

该发明在展览会上受到了关注。

The invention received attention at the exhibition.

Formal particle '该' (this/the said)

他的发明受到了法律的保护。

His invention is protected by law.

Passive '受到...保护'

四大发明是中国对世界的巨大贡献。

The Four Great Inventions are China's great contribution to the world.

Formal academic statement

这项发明标志着一个新时代的开始。

This invention marks the beginning of a new era.

Verb '标志着' (mark/signify)

他因这项发明而闻名于世。

He is world-famous because of this invention.

Structure '因...而闻名'

这项发明的原理非常复杂。

The principle of this invention is very complex.

Noun '原理' (principle)

我们要鼓励青少年进行发明创造。

We should encourage young people to engage in invention and creation.

Compound noun '发明创造'

这项发明填补了国内空白。

This invention filled a gap in the country.

Idiomatic expression '填补空白'

该发明经过了反复的实验和改进。

The invention underwent repeated experiments and improvements.

Formal process description

这项发明在商业上取得了巨大成功。

This invention achieved great commercial success.

Adverbial '在商业上'

这项发明在伦理上引发了广泛的争议。

This invention has sparked widespread ethical controversy.

High-level abstract discussion

他的发明被视为工业革命的催化剂。

His invention is regarded as a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution.

Metaphorical '催化剂' (catalyst)

这项发明彻底颠覆了传统的生产模式。

This invention completely subverted traditional production models.

Strong verb '颠覆' (subvert/overturn)

该发明专利的归属权仍有待商榷。

The ownership of the invention patent is still open to question.

Formal legal/academic phrasing

这项发明体现了人类无穷的智慧。

This invention embodies the infinite wisdom of humanity.

Philosophical tone

他不仅仅是发明了一种工具，更是发明了一种思维方式。

He didn't just invent a tool, but a way of thinking.

Not only... but also structure

这项发明与当时的社会需求相契合。

This invention aligned with the social needs of the time.

Formal verb '相契合' (align/match)

该发明在漫长的历史长河中熠熠生辉。

This invention shines brightly in the long river of history.

Literary/Poetic expression

Synonyms

创造研制首创设计开发

Antonyms

模仿抄袭发现

Common Collocations

发明专利

Common Phrases

发明创造

发明专利权

发明奖

独立发明

共同发明

偶然发明

实用发明

小型发明

发明成果

发明过程

Often Confused With

发明 vs 发现

发明 vs 创造

发明 vs 改进

Idioms & Expressions

"四大发明"

"独出心裁"

"别出心裁"

"标新立异"

"革故鼎新"

"推陈出新"

"匠心独运"

"开山祖师"

"继往开来"

"前所未有"

Easily Confused

发明 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

art

Use '创作' (chuàngzuò) for art/literature.

software

Use '开发' (kāifā) for software, not '发明'.

discovery

Use '发现' (fāxiàn) for natural laws or existing places.

Common Mistakes

Using 发明 for natural phenomena (should be 发现).
Using 发明 for creative writing (should be 创作).
Using the wrong measure word in formal writing (using 个 instead of 项).
Forgetting the particle 了 when the invention is a past event.
Confusing the pinyin with similar sounding words like '发现'.

Tips

Using the correct measure word

Always try to use '项' (xiàng) when writing about inventions in a formal way. It makes your Chinese sound much more advanced and precise.

Invention vs. Discovery

Remember: Invention = Man-made. Discovery = Found in nature. This is the most important distinction to keep in mind.

The Four Great Inventions

Knowing the '四大发明' is essential for cultural literacy in China. It's a frequent topic in exams and general conversation.

Tone Practice

Practice the transition from the 1st tone 'fā' to the 2nd tone 'míng'. The rising tone on 'míng' should be clear.

Passive Voice

Use the '是...的' structure to emphasize the inventor. For example: '电灯是爱迪生发明的' sounds very natural.

Tech Contexts

In tech, you might hear '创新' (innovation) more often than '发明'. Use '发明' for the initial creation of a new technology.

Avoid '发明' for Art

Never use '发明' for books, movies, or paintings. Use '创作' (chuàngzuò) instead.

Patent Talk

If you are in business, learn the phrase '申请发明专利' (apply for an invention patent).

Visual Mnemonic

Imagine a scientist (发明家) holding a bright (明) light that he just sent out (发) to the world.

Synonym Variety

At higher levels, use '研制' (yánzhì) for scientific research and development to sound more academic.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Ancient Chinese. '发' (fā) originally meant to shoot an arrow, later evolving to mean 'to start' or 'to bring forth'. '明' (míng) means 'bright' or 'clear'. Together, they imply bringing a new idea into the light.

Cultural Context

China's 'New Four Great Inventions' (high-speed rail, mobile payments, e-commerce, and bike-sharing) are often discussed in media, though they are technically innovations rather than original inventions.

Papermaking, Compass, Gunpowder, Printing.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你认为哪项发明改变了世界？"

"如果你可以发明一样东西，你会发明什么？"

"你听说过中国的四大发明吗？"

"你觉得互联网是最好的发明吗？"

"你有没有过什么有趣的小发明？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最喜欢的发明以及它如何影响了你的生活。

想象你发明了一台时间机器，你会去哪里？

讨论一下发明和发现的区别。

描述一个你认为未来会出现的发明。

如果你是一个发明家，你最想解决什么问题？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, no. For recipes, we use '创制' or simply '做'. '发明' is too technical for food unless it's a revolutionary food processing method.

The formal measure word is '项' (xiàng). In casual speech, '个' (gè) is also used.

It is both. You can say 'He invented' (verb) or 'This is an invention' (noun).

They are papermaking, the compass, gunpowder, and printing.

No, that's a common mistake. Gravity existed before Newton; he 'discovered' (发现) it.

It is '发明家' (fāmíngjiā).

Generally, '开发' (develop) is preferred for software and apps.

Sometimes, like 'inventing a system', but '创造' is more common for abstract concepts.

It means 'Invention Patent', a specific type of intellectual property protection.

It is a standard word used in both formal and informal contexts, but it sounds quite professional.