Japanese word

発掘

Pronunciation

Romajihakkutsu

Meaning

  • noundiscovery

Example

若い才能を発掘しました。waka i sai nō o hak kutsu shi ma shi ta

We discovered young talent.

Illustration for 発掘 (discovery)

More examples

研究チームは古代の遺跡の発掘を進めました。ken kyū chī mu wa ko dai no i seki no hak kutsu o susu me ma shi ta

The research team proceeded with the excavation of an ancient site.

Core concept

Expresses the uncovering of something that already exists but has not yet been brought to light or properly recognized.

Common phrases

  • 遺跡の発掘i seki no hak kutsu

    excavation of a ruin

  • 才能を発掘するsai nō o hak kutsu su ru

    discover talent

Similar words

発見hakken: The discovery of a person, thing, or fact that was previously unknown or unnoticed.
掘り起こしhoriokoshi: The act of bringing a hidden or neglected talent or resource to light.

Definition in Japanese

埋もれている物や価値ある才能を掘り出したり見つけたりすること。uzu mo re te i ru mono ya ka chi a ru sai nō o ho ri da shi ta ri mi tsu ke ta ri su ru ko to

Word origin

The compound 発掘 (hakkutsu) uses 発 (hatsu, "to bring out") and 掘 (kutsu, "to dig"), so its literal sense is bringing something out by digging and its wider sense is uncovering what is hidden.

Usage tips

  • In archaeology, 発掘 (hakkutsu) refers to systematic digging at a site, while other contexts extend the word to finding valuable things or people.

Other meanings

  • excavationnoun

Related words

  • 発掘するhakkutsusuruexcavateverb
  • 発掘者hakkutsushaexcavatornoun

Word lists with this word