萌发 méngfā to sprout
to sprout; to shoot; to bud
How to remember 萌发: 萌 bud + 发 send out = to sprout.
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How it is used
- To sprout / spring up - of seeds, and figuratively of ideas and feelings - 种子萌发 (zhǒngzi méngfā) the seed germinates; 萌发了一个念头 (méngfā le yí gè niàntou) an idea sprang up.
- Both botanical sprouting and the first stirring of a thought, wish, or emotion.
- The figurative use (a feeling/idea beginning) is very common and slightly literary.