显著

• Pinyin: xiǎn zhù
• Hanzi breakdown: 显 = 日 (sun) + 㬎 (phonetic) — visible, evident; 著 = 艹 (plant) + 者 (one who) — notable, prominent

Meaning

Remarkable; significant; notable; striking. Describes a change, effect, or achievement that is clearly apparent and important.

A formal adjective frequently used in academic writing, news reports, and official documents. Commonly appears in phrases like 显著提高 (significant improvement), 显著变化 (remarkable change), and 显著效果 (notable effect). Implies not just 'noticeable' but 'clearly outstanding.'

Examples

1. 经过训练，她的游泳成绩有了显著提高。 After training, her swimming performance improved remarkably.
2. 这项政策实施后，空气质量得到了显著改善。 After the policy was implemented, air quality was significantly improved.
3. 两国之间的贸易在过去十年取得了显著增长。 Trade between the two countries achieved notable growth over the past decade.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, news, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这种治疗方法对患者的康复有显著效果。(This treatment method has a significant effect on patients' recovery.)
• 公司业绩显著提升，股价随之上涨。(Company performance improved significantly, and the share price rose accordingly.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中使用显著替代普通的明显。(Avoid using 显著 in casual conversation — 明显 sounds more natural in everyday speech; 显著 is better suited to formal or written contexts.)

Origin & History

Compound of 显 (visible/apparent) and 著 (notable/prominent), together meaning 'visibly outstanding or remarkable.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal