Meaning and Usage
"発行" (はっこう) primarily means "to issue" or "to publish." It is commonly used when referring to the issuance of printed materials like magazines, newspapers, books, or official documents such as passports and stocks.
Common Contexts
- Publishing printed media: magazines, newspapers, books.
- Issuing official documents: passports, certificates.
- Financial context: issuing stocks or bonds.
Collocations and Patterns
- 発行する (はっこうする): to issue or publish something.
- 株式を発行する: to issue stocks.
- パスポートを発行する: to issue a passport.
- 新刊を発行する: to publish a new edition.
Register and Nuance
"発行" is a formal term often used in business, official, or administrative contexts. It is not casual and usually appears in written or formal spoken Japanese.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "発行" with "発表" (はっぴょう), which means "to announce" or "to present." Remember that "発行" focuses on issuing or publishing tangible items or official documents, while "発表" is about making announcements or presentations.