Translation and Meaning of: 発掘 - hakkutsu

Etymology of the word 「発掘」 (hakkutsu)

The Japanese word 「発掘」 (hakkutsu) is composed of two kanji: 「発」 (hatsu) and 「掘」 (kutsu). The kanji 「発」 carries the meaning of "beginning," "emerging," or "manifesting," while 「掘」 means "to dig" or "to excavate." Together, these characters form the term "discovery" or "excavation," often used to refer to the discovery of items that were hidden or buried, such as archaeological artifacts.

Definition and Usage

In everyday life, "発掘" is often associated with the field of archaeology, where it involves the physical process of digging through layers of soil to reveal historical objects, fossils, or ruins. However, the word can also be used in metaphorical contexts, meaning the "discovery" of previously hidden talents or ideas. This more abstract meaning is quite common in sectors such as entertainment or technological innovation.

Origin and History

The practice of 「発掘」 has deep roots in Japan's history, especially concerning the preservation and discovery of its cultural and historical relics. Since ancient times, Japan has shown an active interest in its origins, with projects aimed at rediscovering and preserving its buried treasures. The careful selection of the kanji 「発」 and 「掘」 to form the term reflects this duality of bringing to light something that was hidden, whether physically buried or metaphorically obscured by time or ignorance.

Additionally, the word 「発掘」 is often found in the titles of museum exhibitions, documentaries, and academic publications, reflecting its relevance in both traditional culture and contemporary Japanese context. Its versatile applicability makes it an important term in discussions about history, cultural analysis, and national identity.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

発掘 (Hakkutsu) - Excavation or preparation of discoveries.
発掘作業 (Hakkutsu sagyō) - Excavation activities.
発掘調査 (Hakkutsu chōsa) - Excavation research.
発掘掘削 (Hakkutsu kossaku) - Physical excavation to discover something.
発掘発見 (Hakkutsu hakken) - Discovery made through excavation.
掘削 (Kossaku) - Act of digging, generally related to deeper excavations.
調査 (Chōsa) - Investigation or research not necessarily related to excavation.
発見 (Hakken) - Discovery, something that was uncovered through research or exploration.