Meanings of 顯
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About 顯
Podcast: 顯
Podcast: 顯
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AI Study Notes for 顯
明显 (míngxiǎn) vs 显著 (xiǎnzhù) — use 显 (xiǎn) for general clarity or demonstration, while 明显 (míngxiǎn) emphasizes obviousness, and 显著 (xiǎnzhù) highlights significance or prominence.
Learners often confuse 顯 with its synonym 明 (míng), which means 'bright' or 'clear' but is not used in all contexts. This word is more formal and may appear in academic or literary settings. Be mindful not to use it casually when a simpler word might suffice.
Although 顯 is not included in the HSK list, it connects well with other words describing clarity and visibility, such as 明 (míng) and 清楚 (qīngchǔ). Focus on contexts where you might use 顯 to describe something that stands out or is obvious.
Learners sometimes confuse 顯 with 显示 (xiǎnshì), which specifically means 'to show' or 'display'. For example, saying '这个意见显' (Zhège yìjiàn xiǎn) instead of '这个意见显而易见' (Zhège yìjiàn xiǎn'éryìjiàn) is incorrect; the latter correctly conveys that the opinion is evident.
Pronunciation of 顯
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Etymology of 顯
Phonosemantic compound. 日 represents the meaning and 业 represents the sound. Simplified form of 顯.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 顯
Phonosemantic compound. 日 represents the meaning and 业 represents the sound. Simplified form of 顯.
- 1The meaning half頁 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half㬎 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhead
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 顯? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 顯
Identify the Components
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How to say clear, evident; prominent; to show in Chinese
“clear, evident; prominent; to show” in Chinese is顯
The character 顯 (xiǎn) means 'clear' or 'evident', often used to describe something that is prominent or easily noticeable. It can also imply the act of showing or demonstrating something, making it a versatile term in various contexts such as communication or presentation.
When to use 顯
Learners often confuse 顯 with its synonym 明 (míng), which means 'bright' or 'clear' but is not used in all contexts. This word is more formal and may appear in academic or literary settings. Be mindful not to use it casually when a simpler word might suffice.
顯 or something close to it
明显 (míngxiǎn) vs 显著 (xiǎnzhù) — use 显 (xiǎn) for general clarity or demonstration, while 明显 (míngxiǎn) emphasizes obviousness, and 显著 (xiǎnzhù) highlights significance or prominence.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 顯 with 显示 (xiǎnshì), which specifically means 'to show' or 'display'. For example, saying '这个意见显' (Zhège yìjiàn xiǎn) instead of '这个意见显而易见' (Zhège yìjiàn xiǎn'éryìjiàn) is incorrect; the latter correctly conveys that the opinion is evident.
Write 顯
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Word Family of 顯
Compound Meaning
What does 明显 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 顯
Yes, but it is more common in written forms and formal speech.
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