表示
to express; to indicate; to show
biǎoshì
What does 表示 mean?
表示 (biǎoshì) means 'to express, indicate, or show,' typically referring to feelings, attitudes, opinions, or symbols that stand for something. It has three core uses: first, expressing emotions or stances — 表示感谢 (express thanks), 表示同意 (indicate agreement); second, in formal speech for 'to state / say,' as in news reports — 总统表示... (The president stated...
); third, signaling that something stands for or represents something else — 红灯表示停 (a red light means stop). Two differences from English: first, 表示 is more formal than 'show' or 'say' — casual conversation prefers 说 (say) or 觉得 (think); second, 表示 frequently takes an abstract noun directly as its object (表示关心 'express concern'), without needing a connector word. It is the verb of choice for diplomatic, emotional, and symbolic communication.
Note: Slightly formal in tone. Common in news, official statements, and polite speech. In casual conversation, 说
Character breakdown
outside; to express; surface
to show; to indicate
Memory hook: 表 (outward) + 示 (show) — to bring something inner to the outside where it can be seen.
Example sentences
他表示非常感谢。
Tā biǎoshì fēicháng gǎnxiè.
He expressed his deepest thanks.
neutral
红灯表示停车。
Hóng dēng biǎoshì tíngchē.
A red light means stop.
neutral
大家都表示同意。
Dàjiā dōu biǎoshì tóngyì.
Everyone indicated their agreement.
neutral
老师表示对学生的关心。
Lǎoshī biǎoshì duì xuéshēng de guānxīn.
The teacher showed concern for the students.
written
Common phrases with 表示
Synonyms
表达 emphasizes the act of communicating something complex (ideas, feelings, art): 表达想法 (express thoughts). 表示 is more about indicating a stance or symbol. Say 表达感情 (express emotions deeply) but 表示感谢 (express thanks formally).
说明 means 'to explain / make clear' — focuses on clarification. 表示 just signals; 说明 elaborates with reasons. 这个例子说明了问题 (this example explains the problem) vs 这个例子表示了态度 (this example shows the attitude)
Don't confuse 表示 with
表演 means 'to perform' (a play, dance, song). Same first character but different meaning. 表示 is to express in words or gestures; 表演 is to put on a show.
表现 means 'to manifest / to perform (behavior)' — how someone behaves or shows their character. 他表现很好 (he performed well / behaved well) vs 他表示感谢 (he expressed thanks).
Single-character
FAQ
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Hear 表示 in real Chinese, not in a flashcard.
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