表彰

• Pinyin: biǎo zhāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 表 = to show; 彰 = 章 (chapter, badge) + 彡 (hair/decoration), meaning to make evident or prominent

Meaning

To commend; to honor; to publicly recognize achievements or contributions. Official recognition given for outstanding performance or service.

More formal than 表扬. Typically involves official ceremonies, awards, or public announcements. Common in workplace, government, and academic contexts. Often accompanied by certificates, medals, or other tangible recognition.

Examples

1. 公司年会上表彰了十位在过去一年中表现突出的员工。 At the company annual meeting, ten employees who performed outstandingly over the past year were commended.
2. 这次抗疫期间的志愿者将在下周的大会上受到表彰。 Volunteers during the pandemic response will be honored at next week's assembly.
3. 他的研究成果得到了学术界的高度表彰。 His research achievements have received high recognition from the academic community.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, government, ceremonies

Tone: honorific

Do Say

• 市政府决定表彰这批见义勇为的市民。(The city government decided to commend these citizens who acted bravely for justice.)
• 表彰大会将于下周五举行。(The commendation ceremony will be held next Friday.)

Don't Say

• 妈妈表彰我今天洗了碗。(Don't use 表彰 for small household tasks — it's too formal; use 表扬 instead)

Origin & History

表 (to show, make manifest) + 彰 (to display, make evident). Together meaning to publicly display and honor someone's merits.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal