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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to discover' with 发现 (fāxiàn)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 发现 + Object/Clause

    Explanation

    The verb 发现 (fāxiàn) means 'to discover' or 'to find out' and is used when someone notices or becomes aware of something previously unknown. It can be followed directly by a noun or by a clause describing what was discovered.

    Examples

    • 我发现附近新开了一家面包店。

      Wǒ fāxiàn fùjìn xīn kāi le yī jiā miànbāo diàn.

      I discovered a new bakery that just opened nearby.

    • 她发现钥匙忘在办公室了。

      Tā fāxiàn yàoshi wàng zài bàngōngshì le.

      She realized she had left her keys at the office.

    • 科学家们发现了一种新的植物。

      Kēxuéjiāmen fāxiàn le yī zhǒng xīn de zhíwù.

      Scientists discovered a new species of plant.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'to discover' with 发现 (fāxiàn) | Chinese Grammar