fāxíng: 发行 - To Issue, Publish, Release, Distribute

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Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 发行 (fāxíng), which means “to issue,” “publish,” or “release.” This page provides a deep dive into its use in contexts like finance (issuing stock), media (releasing movies and music), and publishing (distributing books). Understand the crucial differences between 发行 (fāxíng), 发布 (fābù), and 出版 (chūbǎn) with clear examples and cultural insights for beginner and intermediate learners.

Pinyin (with tone marks): fāxíng

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: To formally issue, publish, or distribute something for public circulation.

In a Nutshell: 发行 (fāxíng) is the official “launch” of a product into the public sphere. It's the moment a movie hits theaters, a book lands on shelves, a new currency enters circulation, or a company's stock is offered to investors. The core idea is moving a finished product from its creator to the public, usually on a large scale.

发 (fā): This character means “to send out,” “to issue,” or “to develop.” It contains the idea of an outward action or emission, like sending a letter (发送 fāsòng) or discovering something (发现 fāxiàn).

行 (xíng): This character means “to go,” “to walk,” or “to carry out.” It implies movement, circulation, and action.

When combined, 发行 (fāxíng) literally translates to “sending out for circulation.” This captures the essence of distributing a product widely so that it can “move” through society and the market.

In modern China, 发行 (fāxíng) often carries a weight of formality and officiality that the English word “release” might not. For major media and financial products, the act of “发行” is not a simple flip of a switch; it's the final step in a regulated process.

Comparison to “Release” in the West: An independent artist in the US might “release” a song on SoundCloud with a single click. While you could technically describe this with a related word like 推出 (tuīchū), using 发行 (fāxíng) implies a more structured, commercial distribution through official channels. For movies, books, and games in China, 发行 requires obtaining official approval and licenses (like a book's ISBN or a film's screening permit), reflecting a state-supervised media and economic landscape.

This term is not about deep philosophical values but rather highlights the structured and often centralized nature of commerce and media in contemporary China. The decision to 发行 something is a significant business and sometimes political act.

发行 (fāxíng) is a formal and standard term used across several key industries. You will see it constantly in news, business reports, and official announcements.

The most common point of confusion for learners is distinguishing 发行 (fāxíng) from 发布 (fābù) and 出版 (chūbǎn).

* 发布 (fābù) - To announce, to release (information). The counterpart to `发行`, used for news, data, and announcements rather than commercial products.

* 出版 (chūbǎn) - To publish. The specific process of producing books and print media. It is the step before or encompassing `发行`.

* 上市 (shàngshì) - To go on the market; to be listed (on a stock exchange). More specific than `发行股票`, it refers to the moment a company's stock becomes publicly tradable.

* 推出 (tuīchū) - To launch, roll out, or introduce (a new product/service). A broader, more marketing-focused term. You can `推出` a new feature, a new menu item, or a new plan.

* 发行商 (fāxíngshāng) - Distributor, publisher. The company or entity responsible for the act of `发行`.

* 首发 (shǒufā) - Premiere, first release, initial launch. A compound of `首` (first) and `发` (from `发行`).

* 分发 (fēnfā) - To distribute, to hand out. A more general and often less formal term. You would `分发` flyers or free samples, but `发行` a national magazine.

* 刊登 (kāndēng) - To publish (in a periodical). Refers to publishing a specific article, story, or advertisement within a newspaper or magazine.