表达

• Pinyin: biǎo dá
• Hanzi breakdown: 表 = 衣 (clothing) + 毛 (fur), originally meaning outer garment, extended to show/express; 达 = 辶 (walk) + 大 (big), meaning to reach

Meaning

To express; to convey. To communicate thoughts, feelings, or ideas through words or actions.

Used for expressing emotions, opinions, gratitude, and ideas. Can refer to verbal expression, written communication, or artistic expression. 表达能力 (ability to express oneself) is a commonly discussed skill.

Examples

1. 他不太善于表达自己的感情。 He's not very good at expressing his feelings.
2. 我想用这首歌表达对妈妈的爱。 I want to use this song to express my love for my mom.
3. 学习一门外语最重要的是能够表达自己的想法。 The most important thing in learning a foreign language is being able to express your own ideas.

Usage Guide

Context: communication, emotion, language learning

Tone: thoughtful

Do Say

• 谢谢你帮我表达了我的想法。(Thank you for helping me express my thoughts.)
• 她的表达能力很强。(Her ability to express herself is very strong.)

Don't Say

• 表达一个东西给他 (Don't use 表达 for giving physical objects — use 给 or 送. 表达 is for abstract things like thoughts and feelings)

Origin & History

Compound of 表 (to show, surface) and 达 (to reach, convey), meaning to show one's thoughts so they reach others.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal