标

• Pinyin: biāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 标 = 木 (wood) + 示 (show) — original form showed tree branches as markers

Meaning

To mark; to label; to indicate.

As a verb, means to mark or label something with a sign or number. Can also mean to bid (as in auctions/contracts). Often combined with other characters for compound words related to marking or standards.

Examples

1. 请在地图上标出你家的位置。 Please mark the location of your home on the map.
2. 这几个重点我都用红笔标出来了。 I've marked all these key points with a red pen.
3. 商品标价要清晰，不能让顾客猜。 Product prices should be clearly labeled — don't make customers guess.

Usage Guide

Context: marking, labeling, indication

Tone: instructional

Do Say

• 把重要的地方标出来。(Mark the important parts.)
• 价格都标在上面了。(The prices are all labeled on there.)

Don't Say

• 用标表示写长段文字 (Don't use 标 for writing long text — it means brief marking or labeling)

Origin & History

Originally referred to the top branches of a tree (visible markers), extended to mean marking or indicating.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal