verb / noun HSK 5
Traditional 發育
to develop · to grow · development · growth
Meaning
发育 refers to the biological process of growth and development, typically used for living organisms including humans, animals, and plants. It encompasses physical, physiological, and sometimes mental maturation from an immature to a mature state.
Usage
Commonly used in medical, educational, and parenting contexts to discuss child development, adolescent growth, or biological maturation. Often appears in phrases like 发育期 (developmental period) or 发育良好 (well-developed). The term is neutral and scientific in register.
Examples
- 01这个孩子发育得很健康。.This child is developing very healthily.
- 02青少年正处于身体发育的关键时期。.Adolescents are in a critical period of physical development.
Characters
Common collocations
- 发育期developmental period
- 发育不良underdeveloped, poor development
- 发育良好well-developed
- 青春发育期puberty
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 发 (to emit, develop) with 育 (to nurture, raise), together meaning the process of natural growth and maturation.