開発

かいはつ

development, exploitation

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"開発" (かいはつ) primarily refers to the process of developing or creating something new, such as technology, products, or land. It is commonly used in business, technology, and urban planning contexts.

Common Contexts

You will often see "開発" used when talking about software development, product development, or the development of areas for tourism or industry. It implies a process involving planning, research, and implementation.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 開発する: to develop (something)
  • 新製品の開発: development of new products
  • 土地の開発: land development
  • 技術の開発: technology development

Register and Nuance

"開発" is a formal noun often used in professional or academic contexts. It is not casual and usually appears in written or formal spoken Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "開発" with "発展" (はってん), which means "expansion" or "growth." Remember, "開発" focuses on the creation or making of something new, while "発展" refers to the improvement or growth of something existing.

Example Sentences

あたらしいソフトウェアのかいはつにとりくんでいます。

We are working on the development of new software.

このちいきはかんこうちとしてのかいはつがすすんでいる。

Development as a tourist area is progressing in this region.

しんせいひんのかいはつにはおおくのじかんとしきんがひつようだ。

Developing a new product requires a lot of time and funding.