Definition
发话 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning "to begin to speak" or "to give oral orders/instructions". The object 话 can separate from 发, allowing measure words or other elements to slot in between, e.g. 发了一通话 (gave a speech). Use it when someone starts talking, especially with authority or irritation. Note that the full pronunciation is fā huà, not just fā.
v.o.
to begin to speakto start talkingto give oral orders or instructionsto speak angrily (at someone)
Examples
- 发话，。Tā gāng xiǎng fā, diànhuà jiù xiǎng le.He was just about to start speaking when the phone rang.
- ，。Lǐngdǎo zài huì shàng fā le yì tōng huà, dàjiā dōu rènzhēn tīng zhe.The leader gave a speech at the meeting; everyone listened carefully.
- 发话，。Tā duìzhe xiàshǔ dàshēng fā, xiǎnde hěn bú nàifán.He spoke angrily to his subordinates, looking very impatient.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.