显

• Pinyin: xiǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 显 = 日 (sun) + 业 (業 simplified), derived from 顯 meaning to make visible under sunlight

Meaning

To show; to display; to appear; to be evident. Indicates something becoming visible or apparent.

Used to express that something becomes noticeable or apparent. Common in phrases like 显得 (to seem, to appear), 显示 (to display), 显然 (obviously), and 显著 (notable). Can describe both physical appearance and abstract qualities becoming evident.

Examples

1. 她化了妆以后显得更年轻了。 She looks younger after putting on makeup.
2. 数据显示，今年的销售额比去年增长了百分之二十。 The data shows that this year's sales increased by twenty percent compared to last year.
3. 这件衣服显瘦，很适合你。 This outfit makes you look slimmer, it really suits you.

Usage Guide

Context: description, analysis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个颜色显白。(This color makes you look fair-skinned.)
• 他的优势在比赛中显露无遗。(His advantages were fully displayed in the competition.)

Don't Say

• 他显了他的才能 (Awkward phrasing — use 展示 or 显示 for actively showing abilities)

Origin & History

The traditional form 顯 contains 頁 (head/face), relating to something becoming visible or apparent.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal