The Meaning of hassha [発射] In Japanese

発射
はっしゃ
Romaji: hassha N2

What does 発射 mean?

Translation and Meaning

launch, firing, discharge, shooting

Definition

発射 means the act of firing or launching a projectile, device, or signal; it denotes initiating energy release or propulsion, such as a missile, rocket, firearm, or other systems designed to emit or propel.

Type

Noun, verb (suru) (名詞, 動詞・する-動詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Firing a weapon or launching a projectile in military or technical contexts
  • Initiating the release or emission of something, including rockets, missiles, or instruments
  • Metaphorically, the start or activation of a program, operation, or action

Etymology

From 発 (hatsu) meaning to emit, start, depart + 射 (sha/i) meaning to shoot; combined sense of emitting a projectile or initiating propulsion.

Origin

Usage appears in classical and medieval Japanese with kanji compounds; its modern sense as firing or launching expands with firearms, artillery, and rocket technology.

Composition

  • 発: start, emit; indicates initiation or release
  • 射: to shoot, project; indicates projection or aiming

Usage

Used in formal, technical, and news-language contexts to describe initiating propulsion or release, with 発射する as the verb form; common companions include 発射台 for the firing platform and 発射命令 for a launch order.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: think of the word as a two-step action—発 signals the start, then 射 delivers the shot; picture a rocket lighting its ignition and firing on command.

Variations

  • 射出 — shashutsu — to eject/launch
  • 発砲 — happou — firing a gun
  • 開始 — kaishi — start, commence (conceptually related)

Example Phrases

  • 夜空へ 花火の 発射 が 始まった。
    yozora e hanabi no hassha ga hajimatta.
    The fireworks’ launch began toward the night sky.
    Lista:
    • 夜空へ (yozora e) – to the night sky
    • 花火の (hanabi no) – of fireworks
    • 発射 (hassha) – launch; firing
    • が (ga) – subject marker
    • 始まった (hajimatta) – began
    「発射」は名詞で“launch”の意味。ここでは「花火の発射」でその動作を指す。
発射