fāshè: 发射 - to launch, to shoot, to fire, to emit

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Summary: Learn the versatile and powerful Chinese verb 发射 (fāshè), which means “to launch,” “to shoot,” or “to emit.” This comprehensive guide explains how to use 发射 for everything from launching rockets and satellites to firing weapons and transmitting signals. Discover practical example sentences, cultural significance in modern China, and common mistakes to avoid, making it an essential term for any Chinese learner.

Pinyin (with tone marks): fāshè

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: To project, send out, or release something with force or energy.

In a Nutshell: 发射 (fāshè) is an action word centered on the idea of sending something out from a source with power. Think of it as the “go” button for things that are projected over a distance. Whether it's a rocket leaving the launchpad, a bullet leaving a gun, or a radio tower sending out a signal, 发射 captures that moment of powerful, directed release.

发 (fā): This character means “to send out,” “to issue,” or “to emit.” Imagine it as the action of releasing something, like a bow releasing an arrow or a government issuing a command.

射 (shè): This character's original form depicted a hand launching an arrow from a bow. Its core meaning is “to shoot,” “to fire,” or “to eject.”

Together, 发射 (fāshè) combines “to send out” (发) with “to shoot” (射), creating a strong and clear meaning: to send something out via a forceful, shooting, or projective action.

While not a term rooted in ancient philosophy, 发射 (fāshè) holds immense significance in modern China's national identity and narrative. It is intrinsically linked to technological prowess, military modernization, and national pride.

The frequent use of 发射 in state media reports about space exploration (e.g., the Shenzhou spacecraft or Chang'e lunar missions) and military exercises serves to project an image of a strong, advanced, and self-reliant nation. Each rocket 发射 is not just a scientific achievement but a symbolic step in the “China Dream” (中国梦), representing the nation's rise on the global stage.

In the West, a space launch is often seen primarily as a scientific or commercial event. In China, it carries a much heavier weight of national rejuvenation and collective achievement. Understanding 发射 in this context helps you see how technology and language are used to shape and reflect a nation's aspirations.

发射 is a relatively formal and technical term used in specific contexts.

A major pitfall for English speakers is treating 发射 (fāshè) like the English word “launch,” which is much broader. 发射 is restricted to projectiles, rockets, and emissions.

发布 (fābù) - To release, publish (for products, news, information). This is the “launch” for non-projectiles.

启动 (qǐdòng) - To start, initiate, launch (for projects, machines, campaigns).

开枪 (kāi qiāng) - To fire a gun. A more common and specific synonym for shooting firearms.

火箭 (huǒjiàn) - Rocket. A common object of the verb 发射.

导弹 (dǎodàn) - Missile. Another common object of 发射.

发射器 (fāshèqì) - Launcher, transmitter. The device or instrument that performs the action of 发射.

投掷 (tóuzhì) - To throw, to hurl. Describes projection by human force (like a stone or spear), not by a mechanical or explosive device.

喷射 (pēnshè) - To spray, to spurt, to jet. Similar to 发射 but used for liquids or gases under pressure (e.g., water from a firehose).

辐射 (fúshè) - To radiate. Describes energy spreading out in all directions (like heat from a fire), whereas 发射 is typically more directional.