表

• Pinyin: biǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 表 (biǎo) — surface, exterior, to show; contains 衣 (yī, clothing) suggesting outer layer

Meaning

Watch (timepiece); table, form, list. Context determines the meaning.

Has two common meanings: a wristwatch or timepiece (手表), and a table or form used to display or record information.

Examples

1. 他手腕上戴着一块名牌手表。 He is wearing a brand-name wristwatch on his wrist.
2. 请填好这张登记表再交给我。 Please fill in this registration form before handing it to me.
3. 老师在黑板上画了一个表格。 The teacher drew a table on the blackboard.

Usage Guide

Context: time, forms, documents, accessories

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你的手表几点了？(What time does your watch say?)
• 请填一下这张表。(Please fill in this form.)

Don't Say

• Avoid saying 表 alone when referring to a wristwatch — 手表 is the standard term; using just 表 alone for a watch may sound informal or incomplete.

Origin & History

Originally meant the outer surface or exterior. Extended to mean a list or table (displaying information on the surface) and a watch (something worn on the outer wrist).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal