表明

• Pinyin: biǎo míng
• Hanzi breakdown: 表 = 衣 (clothing) + 毛 (fur), original meaning outer garment, extended to express; 明 = 日 (sun) + 月 (moon), meaning bright/clear

Meaning

To indicate; to make clear; to show. Used when someone states a position or when evidence reveals a fact.

Often used in formal or semi-formal contexts to express making something clear or evident. Frequently paired with 态度 (attitude), 立场 (position), or 观点 (viewpoint). Also used when data or facts demonstrate something.

Examples

1. 调查结果表明大多数人支持这个计划。 The survey results indicate that most people support this plan.
2. 他表明了自己对这件事的态度。 He made his attitude toward this matter clear.
3. 这些数据表明我们的方法是有效的。 These data show that our method is effective.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, news, discussion

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 研究表明运动对健康很有好处。(Research indicates that exercise is very beneficial to health.)
• 她表明了自己的立场。(She made her position clear.)

Don't Say

• 他表明了手 (Don't use 表明 for physical showing or displaying — use 伸出 or 展示 for showing objects. 表明 is for abstract expression of positions or facts)

Origin & History

Compound of 表 (to express, surface) and 明 (bright, clear), literally 'to express clearly.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal