表示

• Pinyin: biǎo shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 表 (biǎo) — to show, surface; 示 (shì) — to indicate, to reveal

Meaning

To express; to indicate; to show. More formal than 说 when expressing feelings or attitudes.

Used to convey emotions, opinions, or intentions, as well as to indicate or represent something symbolically.

Examples

1. 他表示对这个计划很感兴趣。 He expressed great interest in this plan.
2. 红色在中国文化中表示喜庆。 The color red in Chinese culture represents festivity and good fortune.
3. 她用微笑来表示她的感谢。 She used a smile to show her gratitude.

Usage Guide

Context: opinions, emotions, symbols, communication

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他表示同意。(He indicated his agreement.)
• 这个手势表示欢迎。(This gesture expresses welcome.)

Don't Say

• Avoid confusing 表示 with 表达 — 表示 often conveys a brief indication or stance, while 表达 implies fuller, more elaborate expression of thoughts or feelings.

Origin & History

Compound of 表 (biǎo, outer/surface/to show) + 示 (shì, to indicate, to show). Together they convey the act of making something visible or known.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal