Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
表扬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
表扬biǎoyángto praiseHSK 4, v, rank #9913, Hard
表扬biǎoyángto commendHSK 4, v, rank #9913, Hard
biǎoyáng(biao3yang2) T3
  1. 1to praise
  2. 2to commend
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
表扬(表揚)biǎoyáng(biao3yang2)

表扬 (biao3 yang2) means to praise or commend someone for their actions or achievements. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in schools to acknowledge students' good behavior or in workplaces to recognize employees' contributions.

Frequency#9913DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, public recognition is highly valued, especially in educational and professional settings. 表扬 not only boosts morale but also reinforces social harmony and encourages collective effort.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'biao' (表) or 'watch' showing off the 'yang' (扬) or 'sunshine'—when you praise someone, it's like shining a spotlight on them, making them feel bright and appreciated.

Meanings of 表扬

biǎoyáng(biao3yang2)
1to praise
2to commend
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 表扬

表扬Simplified
表揚Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9913Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 表扬

JasonAmy

Podcast: 表扬

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 表扬

Quick Contrast

表彰 (biǎozhāng) vs 表扬 (biǎoyáng): use 表彰 for formal recognition or awards, while 表扬 is broader and can be used in casual contexts.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'biao' (表) or 'watch' showing off the 'yang' (扬) or 'sunshine'—when you praise someone, it's like shining a spotlight on them, making them feel bright and appreciated.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 表扬 with 赞美 (zan4 mei3), which also means to praise but can imply a more emotional or artistic admiration. It’s important to use 表扬 in contexts that involve merit or achievement. Be cautious with tones, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 表扬 connects well with other vocabulary related to recognition or feedback, such as 批评 (pi1 ping2, to criticize). Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe actions and situations where praise is appropriate.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, public recognition is highly valued, especially in educational and professional settings. 表扬 not only boosts morale but also reinforces social harmony and encourages collective effort.

Common Mistakes

Learners might say 表扬 (biao3 yang2) when they mean to say 赞美 (zan4 mei3), which is incorrect as they convey different nuances. For example, saying '我赞美他的努力' (I praise his efforts) would be more appropriate with 赞美 instead of 表扬.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 表扬

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 表扬 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

biǎoexterior surface
HSK 48 strokes
View full entry
yángto raise
HSK 76 strokes
View full entry

Write 表扬

Practice writing 表扬 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 表扬

表扬 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 2 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.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

老师____他帮助同学。

The teacher praised him for helping classmates.

Example Sentences for 表扬 (2)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
该队还因其良好的体育精神及公平竞争精神而受到了表扬。

gāi duì huán yīn qí liáng hǎo de tǐ yù jīng shén jí gōng píng jìng zhēng jīng shén ér shòu dào le biǎo yáng。

The team also won praise for sportsmanship and fair play.
2
听到表扬他的脸开晴了.

tīng dào biǎo yáng tā de liǎn kāi qíng le.

His face brightened up at the praise.

Cultural Notes for 表扬

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, public recognition is highly valued, especially in educational and professional settings. 表扬 not only boosts morale but also reinforces social harmony and encourages collective effort.

Frequently Asked Questions about 表扬

表扬 (biao3 yang2) is more commonly used in formal contexts to commend actions, while 赞美 (zan4 mei3) refers to a more emotional form of praise.