発見
hakkenThe act of finding or uncovering something previously unknown or unrecognized.
科学者たちは新しい種を発見した。
Scientists made a discovery of a new species.
彼女は古代の遺跡を発見した。
She discovered an ancient ruin.
Often used in academic, scientific, or formal contexts. Can also be used as a suru-verb: 発見する (to discover).
💡Pro Tip
Distinguish from 発明 (invention)
発見 emphasizes uncovering something that already exists (e.g., a new planet), while 発明 refers to creating something new (e.g., a machine).
⚡Gold Rule
Use 発見 for natural/uncovered findings
Apply 発見 when the discovery is passive (e.g., 'a fossil was discovered') rather than actively invented.
📖Word Origin
From the verb 発く (あらわす, 'to reveal') + 見る (みる, 'to see'), forming a compound verb meaning 'to reveal by seeing' or 'to uncover.' The noun form emerged in classical Japanese to denote the result of such an action.
📝Usage Notes
While 発見 primarily refers to the act or result of discovering something tangible (e.g., a species, artifact), it can metaphorically extend to abstract discoveries (e.g., a new theory). The suru-verb form 発見する is more common in everyday speech.