Meaning and Usage
"発明" (はつめい) means "invention" and refers to the creation of new devices, methods, or ideas that did not exist before. It is commonly used in scientific, technological, and creative contexts.
Common Collocations
- 発明する: to invent something
- 発明品: an invented product
- 発明家: an inventor
- 特許を取る（とる）: to obtain a patent for an invention
Usage Notes
When using 発明, speakers often imply a novel and useful creation. It is a noun but can be combined with the verb する to form 発明する (to invent). This word is formal and often appears in academic, technical, or business discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 発明 with "発見" (はっけん), which means "discovery." 発明 is about creating something new, while 発見 is about finding something that already exists but was unknown.