biǎoshì: 表示 - To Express, To Show, To Indicate

• Keywords: biǎoshì, 表示, Chinese verb to express, how to say show in Chinese, indicate in Chinese, biǎoshì meaning, biǎoshì vs biǎodá, Chinese grammar, learn Chinese, HSK 3 verb
• Summary: “表示” (biǎoshì) is a fundamental Chinese verb essential for everyday communication, meaning “to express,” “to show,” or “to indicate.” This versatile word allows you to articulate feelings like gratitude or apology, show agreement through actions, and understand what signs or symbols mean. Learning how to use “表示” is a key step for any beginner, as it bridges the gap between internal thoughts and external communication in both formal and informal Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): biǎo shì
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To make a feeling, opinion, or intention known through words, actions, or signs.
• In a Nutshell: Think of “表示” (biǎoshì) as the action of making something internal (like a thought or feeling) visible to others. It's a general-purpose “show and tell” verb. If you want to show you're thankful, you “表示感谢” (biǎoshì gǎnxiè). If you nod your head to show you agree, your nod “表示” agreement. It's less about a deep, artistic expression and more about a clear, direct signal.

• 表 (biǎo): This character's original meaning is “surface” or “outside.” Think of a watch (手錶/手表 - shǒubiǎo), which you wear on the outside of your wrist, or a chart (表格 - biǎogé), which lays information out on a surface. The core idea is making something external and visible.
• 示 (shì): This character is derived from a picture of an altar. Its core meaning is “to show” or “to reveal,” as if revealing a message from a higher power.
• Together, 表示 (biǎoshì) combines “surface/outside” (表) with “to reveal” (示). This powerfully conveys the idea of bringing an internal thought or feeling to the surface for others to see and understand.

While Chinese communication can sometimes be famously indirect, “表示” is a tool for being clear and explicit, especially in socially defined situations. It's often used to formally and clearly state an expected sentiment. For example, in a business or formal setting, it's crucial to explicitly 表示感谢 (express thanks) or 表示欢迎 (express welcome). This isn't just about feeling grateful; it's about performing the socially appropriate act of showing it. This contrasts with some Western contexts where a simple “Thanks” might suffice. Using “表示” adds a layer of deliberateness and formality. So, while Chinese culture values harmony and might avoid direct confrontation, it also has clear protocols for expressing social niceties. “表示” is the verb you use to follow those protocols, ensuring your intentions are clearly and appropriately communicated.

“表示” is an incredibly common verb used in various contexts, from daily conversation to formal written language.

This is one of the most common uses, often followed by a two-character noun. It's a slightly formal but very standard structure.

• 表示感谢 (biǎoshì gǎnxiè): to express thanks
• 表示欢迎 (biǎoshì huānyíng): to express welcome
• 表示祝贺 (biǎoshì zhùhè): to express congratulations
• 表示同意 (biǎoshì tóngyì): to express agreement
• 表示反对 (biǎoshì fǎnduì): to express opposition

“表示” is used to ask or explain what something means, signifies, or indicates.

• “这个标志表示什么意思？” (What does this sign mean?)
• “红灯表示停车。” (A red light indicates 'stop'.)

You will frequently see “表示” in news articles, company statements, and formal emails. It's often used to report what someone said or the stance they have taken.

• “发言人表示，公司将对此事负责。” (The spokesperson stated that the company will take responsibility for this matter.)

Example 1: 他点头表示同意。 Pinyin: Tā diǎntóu biǎoshì tóngyì. English: He nodded to show his agreement. Analysis: Here, the action “nod” (点头) is the method of “表示”. This shows that “表示” isn't limited to words. Example 2: 我写了一封邮件，向他表示感谢。 Pinyin: Wǒ xiěle yī fēng yóujiàn, xiàng tā biǎoshì gǎnxiè. English: I wrote an email to express my gratitude to him. Analysis: A very common and polite structure. “向 (xiàng) + person + 表示 + feeling” is a standard pattern for expressing sentiments. Example 3: 这个交通标志表示“禁止停车”。 Pinyin: Zhège jiāotōng biāozhì biǎoshì “jìnzhǐ tíngchē”. English: This traffic sign means “No Parking”. Analysis: This is the “to mean” or “to signify” usage of “表示”, perfect for explaining symbols and signs. Example 4: 他对我们的计划表示了极大的兴趣。 Pinyin: Tā duì wǒmen de jìhuà biǎoshìle jí dà de xìngqù. English: He expressed great interest in our plan. Analysis: Note the use of “对 (duì)… 表示…”. This structure means “to express… towards/regarding…”. Example 5: 在会议上，几位经理表示了反对意见。 Pinyin: Zài huìyì shàng, jǐ wèi jīnglǐ biǎoshìle fǎnduì yìjiàn. English: At the meeting, several managers expressed opposing views. Analysis: A common usage in formal or business contexts to talk about opinions. Example 6: 微笑不一定表示你真的开心。 Pinyin: Wēixiào bù yīdìng biǎoshì nǐ zhēn de kāixīn. English: A smile doesn't necessarily indicate that you are truly happy. Analysis: This example highlights the difference between an outer sign (a smile) and an inner reality (happiness). Example 7: 我应该怎么表示我的歉意呢？ Pinyin: Wǒ yīnggāi zěnme biǎoshì wǒ de qiànyì ne? English: How should I express my apology? Analysis: A great question a learner might ask. “表示歉意” (biǎoshì qiànyì) is the standard phrase for “to express apology.” Example 8: 我们全家向您表示最诚挚的祝福。 Pinyin: Wǒmen quánjiā xiàng nín biǎoshì zuì chéngzhì de zhùfú. English: Our whole family expresses the most sincere blessings to you. Analysis: This sentence is very formal and heartfelt, suitable for a card or a formal speech. Example 9: 他的沉默表示了默认。 Pinyin: Tā de chénmò biǎoshìle mòrèn. English: His silence indicated tacit approval. Analysis: Like nodding, silence (沉默) can also be an act that “表示” something. Example 10: 新闻发言人表示，调查仍在进行中。 Pinyin: Xīnwén fāyánrén biǎoshì, diàochá réng zài jìnxíng zhōng. English: The press spokesperson stated that the investigation is still ongoing. Analysis: This is the standard way news reports quote an official source. It's equivalent to “stated” or “said”.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between “表示” and similar verbs like “表达” and “显示”. 1. 表示 (biǎoshì) vs. 表达 (biǎodá) This is the most critical distinction.

• 表示 (biǎoshì): Focuses on the *act* of showing or indicating. It's often for simpler, conventional feelings (thanks, welcome) or signals (a nod, a red light). It's the sign itself.
• 表达 (biǎodá): Focuses on the *content and process* of expressing deeper, more complex, or personal thoughts and feelings. It often implies using language or art to convey a nuanced message.
• Common Mistake:
  • Incorrect: 他用一首歌表示他对她的爱。 (Tā yòng yī shǒu gē biǎoshì tā duì tā de ài.)
  • Correct: 他用一首歌表达他对她的爱。 (Tā yòng yī shǒu gē biǎodá tā duì tā de ài.)
  • Reason: Expressing love through a song is a complex, personal, and artistic act. This requires 表达 (biǎodá), not the simpler 表示 (biǎoshì).

2. 表示 (biǎoshì) vs. 显示 (xiǎnshì)

• 表示 (biǎoshì): The subject is usually a person (or group of people) who is *intentionally* communicating something.
• 显示 (xiǎnshì): The subject is often data, evidence, a monitor, or an object that *passively reveals* information. It means “to show” in the sense of “data shows” or “the screen displays”.
• Common Mistake:
  • Awkward: 数据表示销售额在增长。 (Shùjù biǎoshì xiāoshòu'é zài zēngzhǎng.)
  • Correct: 数据显示销售额在增长。 (Shùjù xiǎnshì xiāoshòu'é zài zēngzhǎng.)
  • Reason: Data doesn't have an intention; it simply reveals a fact. Therefore, 显示 (xiǎnshì) is the appropriate verb.

• 表达 (biǎodá) - A close synonym, used for expressing deeper, more complex or artistic thoughts and feelings.
• 显示 (xiǎnshì) - A related verb meaning “to show” or “to display,” typically used for data, evidence, or screens.
• 表现 (biǎoxiàn) - To perform or to behave. It refers to one's outward performance or conduct, not expressing a specific idea.
• 说明 (shuōmíng) - To explain or illustrate. More focused on making facts or a process clear, rather than expressing an emotion.
• 代表 (dàibiǎo) - To represent or to stand for. While it shares the “表” character, its meaning is about acting on behalf of someone or something.
• 意味着 (yìwèizhe) - To mean, signify, or imply. A very close synonym for the “to indicate” meaning of 表示.
• 感谢 (gǎnxiè) - Gratitude/Thanks. A noun very frequently used after 表示, as in 表示感谢.
• 同意 (tóngyì) - To agree. An idea that is often conveyed through an action that 表示 agreement, like nodding.