Sprouting is the initial stage of plant life, marking the transition from a dormant seed to a living sprout.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To sprout or germinate from a seed.
- Describes the beginning of plant growth.
- Can metaphorically describe the start of an idea.
Overview
- 1概览：发芽（fāyá）是一个由“发”（产生、发生）和“芽”（植物的幼苗）构成的动词。在生物学层面，它描述种子在适宜的温度、水分和氧气条件下，胚根突破种皮长出幼芽的过程。在比喻意义上，它也可以形容某种想法、情感或趋势刚刚萌生。
Examples
春天到了，柳树发芽了。
everydaySpring is here, and the willow trees are sprouting.
实验室观察到种子发芽的速率与温度有关。
formalThe laboratory observed that the germination rate is related to temperature.
他心里的那个念头开始发芽了。
informalThat idea in his heart began to take root.
种子发芽需要充足的水分。
academicSeeds need sufficient water to germinate.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
发芽期
germination period
豆芽
bean sprout
萌芽状态
in a budding state
Often Confused With
萌芽 refers more to the conceptual start of something, like a movement or an idea, whereas 发芽 is strictly biological.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral in register and can be used in both casual conversation and formal scientific reports. It is a very common verb for A1 learners. Ensure you distinguish between literal plant growth and metaphorical uses.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use it for flowers blooming. Remember that '发芽' is for the first sprout, while '开花' is for blooming. Do not confuse the two stages.
Tips
Use with spring context
It is very common to pair '发芽' with the season of Spring. You can say '春天到了，树木开始发芽了'.
Do not eat sprouted potatoes
Remember that while 'sprouting' is good for seeds, it is a warning sign for potatoes. Always check your vegetables before cooking.
Symbol of new beginnings
In Chinese culture, sprouting is a symbol of vitality and hope. It represents the cycle of life and renewal.
Word Origin
The character '发' implies moving outward or starting, and '芽' represents the tender shoot of a plant. Combined, they depict the moment a plant pushes out of its shell.
Cultural Context
In Chinese poetry, the sprouting of willow trees is a classic image of spring. It represents the rejuvenation of nature and a fresh start.
Memory Tip
Visualize a small green bud pushing through the soil. Think of '发' as starting and '芽' as the sprout itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions不可以。发芽的土豆含有高浓度的龙葵碱，食用后可能会导致中毒，因此应避免食用。
发芽是植物生命周期的第一步，指芽点破壳；长叶是发芽之后的生长阶段，指叶片展开。
可以。比如“爱情在心中发芽”，表示某种情感开始产生并逐渐成长。
Test Yourself
春天到了，种子在泥土里___了。
种子在春天开始生长，对应的动作是发芽。
Score: /1
Summary
Sprouting is the initial stage of plant life, marking the transition from a dormant seed to a living sprout.
- To sprout or germinate from a seed.
- Describes the beginning of plant growth.
- Can metaphorically describe the start of an idea.
Use with spring context
It is very common to pair '发芽' with the season of Spring. You can say '春天到了，树木开始发芽了'.
Do not eat sprouted potatoes
Remember that while 'sprouting' is good for seeds, it is a warning sign for potatoes. Always check your vegetables before cooking.
Symbol of new beginnings
In Chinese culture, sprouting is a symbol of vitality and hope. It represents the cycle of life and renewal.
Examples
4 of 4春天到了，柳树发芽了。
Spring is here, and the willow trees are sprouting.
实验室观察到种子发芽的速率与温度有关。
The laboratory observed that the germination rate is related to temperature.
他心里的那个念头开始发芽了。
That idea in his heart began to take root.
种子发芽需要充足的水分。
Seeds need sufficient water to germinate.
