Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
表示biǎoshì(biao3shi4)
表示 (biǎoshì) means to express or indicate something clearly. It is commonly used when stating opinions, feelings, or facts, often in both spoken and written language. This verb is particularly useful in formal contexts, such as academic discussions or official communications.
Frequency#1553DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings directly can sometimes be seen as impolite, especially in formal settings. Thus, 表示 is often used to indicate feelings in a more subtle manner, reflecting the cultural value of harmony and indirect communication.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '表' (table/surface) that shows off a '示' (sign) indicating your feelings. Picture yourself pointing to this sign on the table to express your thoughts clearly to others, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 表示
Quick Contrast
表达 (biǎodá) vs 表示 (biǎoshì): Use 表达 (biǎodá) when emphasizing the act of expressing emotions or thoughts more deeply, rather than simply indicating.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a '表' (table/surface) that shows off a '示' (sign) indicating your feelings. Picture yourself pointing to this sign on the table to express your thoughts clearly to others, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 表示 with 说明 (shuōmíng), which means to explain. It's important to use 表示 when you want to convey feelings or opinions rather than merely explaining a concept. Be mindful of the tone; it's pronounced with the third tone followed by the fourth tone: biǎo (3rd tone) shì (4th tone).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 表示 connects to other verbs like 说 (shuō, to say) and 表达 (biǎodá, to express). Focus on using it in varied contexts, such as conversations about opinions or feelings, and practice its collocations with nouns like '意见' (yìjiàn, opinion) or '态度' (tàidù, attitude).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings directly can sometimes be seen as impolite, especially in formal settings. Thus, 表示 is often used to indicate feelings in a more subtle manner, reflecting the cultural value of harmony and indirect communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes misuse 表示 when they mean to say 'explain', leading to sentences like '我想表示这个问题' (I want to express this question), which should be '我想说明这个问题' (I want to explain this question).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 表示
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 表示 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 表示 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 表示
表示 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Many Lithuanians have expressed doubts about the wisdom of the decision.
8
首先,要对上个月那篇交代不清的报道表示深深的歉意.
shǒu xiān, , yào duì shàng gè yuè nà piān jiāo dài bù qīng de bào dào biǎo shì shēn shēn de qiàn.
First off, huge apologies for last month's confusing report.
9
科斯特洛后来表示了歉意，说他是被那人惹怒的。
kē sī tè luò hòu lái biǎo shì le qiàn yì， ， shuō tā shì bèi nà rén rě nù。
Costello later apologized, saying he'd been annoyed by the man.
10
对那小孩讲述的遭遇，老师啧啧地表示同情。
duì nà xiǎo hái jiǎng shù de zāo yù， ， lǎo shī zé zé dì biǎo shì tóng。
The teacher clucked sympathetically at the child's story.
Cultural Notes for 表示
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings directly can sometimes be seen as impolite, especially in formal settings. Thus, 表示 is often used to indicate feelings in a more subtle manner, reflecting the cultural value of harmony and indirect communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about 表示
表示 focuses on indicating or showing something, while 表达 emphasizes the act of expressing more broadly.
Yes, but it's more formal; in casual contexts, you might prefer simpler expressions like 说 (shuō) or 讲 (jiǎng).
No, it can also indicate facts, feelings, or intentions.
