開発
kaihatsuThe process of creating or bringing into existence something new, such as a product, system, or technology.
彼らは新しいソフトウェアを開発中です。
They are developing new software.
この都市は最近急速に開発されました。
This city has been rapidly developed recently.
Can be used as a noun (e.g., 開発中 'under development') or as a suru-verb (e.g., 開発する 'to develop').
In a business context, the act of expanding or improving a product, market, or infrastructure.
会社はアジア市場の開発に注力しています。
The company is focusing on developing the Asian market.
Often used in corporate or economic discussions.
In technology, the process of writing, testing, and maintaining code to create software or applications.
このプロジェクトの開発には3ヶ月かかりました。
The development of this project took three months.
Commonly used in IT and software engineering contexts.
The act of exploiting or utilizing natural resources, such as land or minerals.
この地域の資源開発は重要です。
The development of resources in this region is important.
Used in contexts like mining, agriculture, or urban planning.
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 開発 for abstract or non-tangible concepts like 'personal growth' or 'self-improvement.' For these, use terms like 成長 (seichō, 'growth') or 向上 (kōjō, 'improvement').
⚡Gold Rule
When to Use 開発
Use 開発 when referring to the creation, expansion, or improvement of tangible things like products, software, markets, or resources. It implies a process that results in something new or enhanced.
📖Word Origin
Composed of the kanji 開 (kai, 'to open') and 発 (hatsu, 'to start'). The combined meaning reflects the idea of 'opening up' or 'starting something new,' which aligns with the concept of development as bringing something into existence or expanding it.
📝Usage Notes
開発 is a formal term often used in business, technology, and engineering contexts. It can refer to both the process and the result of development. In casual conversation, simpler terms like 作る (tsukuru, 'to make') or 造る (tsukuru, 'to create') may be used instead.