发掘 fājué to excavate
to excavate; to explore; (figuratively) to unearth; to tap into
How to remember 发掘: 发 send out + 掘 to dig = to excavate.
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How it is used
- Literal 'to excavate / dig up' (发掘文物 to excavate relics), but very common figuratively: 'to unearth / tap into' hidden value - 发掘人才 (fājué réncái) to discover talent, 发掘潜力 to tap potential.
- The image of digging out something buried; the figurative sense (uncovering hidden talent/potential) is heavily used.