発揮

はっき

exhibition, demonstration, display

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"発揮" (はっき) means to demonstrate, exhibit, or display one's ability, skill, or power. It is often used when someone shows their true potential or talent in a particular situation.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see "発揮" used in contexts like sports, work, or any situation where a person's skills or qualities are important. For example, "実力を発揮する" means to demonstrate one's true ability.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 実力を発揮する: to demonstrate one's true ability
  • 才能を発揮する: to show one's talent
  • リーダーシップを発揮する: to display leadership

These phrases emphasize the active use or expression of a skill or quality.

Register and Nuance

"発揮" is a formal word often used in written and spoken Japanese in professional or serious contexts. It is not casual and is appropriate in business, academic, or sports commentary.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "発揮" with simply "使う" (to use). However, "発揮" implies successfully showing or demonstrating a quality, not just using it. For example, "能力を使う" means to use ability, but "能力を発揮する" means to show or demonstrate ability effectively.

Example Sentences

かれはしあいでじつりょくをはっきした。

He demonstrated his true ability in the match.

あたらしいかんきょうでじぶんのさいのうをはっきできるかしんぱいだ。

I'm worried whether I can show my talents in the new environment.

リーダーシップをはっきしてチームをまとめた。

He showed leadership and united the team.