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表情 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
表情biǎoqíng(facial) expressionHSK 5, n, rank #1541, Medium
表情biǎoqíngto express one's feelingsHSK 5, n, rank #1541, Medium
表情biǎoqíngexpressionHSK 5, n, rank #1541, Medium
biǎoqíng(biao3qing2) T3
  1. 1(facial) expression
  2. 2to express one's feelings
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
表情biǎoqíng(biao3qing2)

表情 (biǎoqíng) refers to a person's facial expression or the act of expressing feelings through one's face. It is commonly used in contexts where emotions are conveyed non-verbally, such as in conversations, performances, or social interactions.

Frequency#1541DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, facial expressions can convey a range of emotions and subtleties, often more than words. Understanding 表情 is essential in social interactions, as showing or reading expressions correctly can be crucial in building relationships.

Memory Tip

Think of 表 (biǎo) as a 'surface' and 情 (qíng) as 'feelings.' Imagine a person's surface (face) showing various feelings through expressions like smiles or frowns, making the connection between the character and its meaning vivid.

Meanings of 表情

biǎoqíng(biao3qing2)
1(facial) expression
2to express one's feelings
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 表情

表情Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1541Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 表情

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Podcast: 表情

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AI Study Notes for 表情

Quick Contrast

表情 (biǎoqíng) vs 情感 (qínggǎn): use 表情 when specifically referring to facial expressions, while 情感 refers to emotions in a broader sense.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 表 (biǎo) as a 'surface' and 情 (qíng) as 'feelings.' Imagine a person's surface (face) showing various feelings through expressions like smiles or frowns, making the connection between the character and its meaning vivid.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 表情 with 情绪 (qíngxù), which refers more broadly to emotions or moods. It is generally used in informal contexts, but can also appear in more formal discussions about psychology or communication. Common collocations include '面部表情' (miànbù biǎoqíng) meaning 'facial expression.'

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 表情 connects to other vocabulary related to emotions and communication. Focus on using it in sentences about feelings or reactions to enhance understanding of emotional expression in Mandarin.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, facial expressions can convey a range of emotions and subtleties, often more than words. Understanding 表情 is essential in social interactions, as showing or reading expressions correctly can be crucial in building relationships.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 表情 with 情绪, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我很表情' (wǒ hěn biǎoqíng) is incorrect; it should be '我很开心' (wǒ hěn kāixīn) or '我的表情很开心' (wǒ de biǎoqíng hěn kāixīn) to convey the intended meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 表情

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Component Characters

biǎoexterior surface
HSK 48 strokes
View full entry
qíngfeeling
HSK 711 strokes
View full entry

Write 表情

Practice writing 表情 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 表情

表情 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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

从她的____来看,她好像不太高兴。

Judging from her expression, she doesn't seem very happy.

Example Sentences for 表情 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
她转身望着我,脸上带着期待的表情。

tā zhuǎn shēn wàng zháo wǒ, , liǎn shàng dài zháo qī dài de biǎo。

She turned to me with an expectant look on her face.
2
他面无表情地站在那里,听法官宣布判决。

tā miàn wú biǎo qíng dì zhàn zài nà lǐ, , tīng fǎ guān xuān bù pàn。

He stood emotionless as he heard the judge pass sentence.
3
这两个共谋者的表情泄漏了秘密。

zhè liǎng gè gòng móu zhě de biǎo qíng xiè lòu le mì mì。

The faces of the two conspirators gave the game away.
4
他是个身材修长、表情庄重、皮肤黝黑的帅小伙。

tā shì gè shēn cái xiū cháng、 、 biǎo qíng zhuāng、 zhòng 、 pí fū yǒu hēi de shuài。

He was a slim, solemn, darkly handsome young man.
5
那张毫无表情的脸看上去深沉而又神秘。

nà zhāng háo wú biǎo qíng de liǎn kàn shàng qù shēn chén ér yòu shén mì。

That expressionless face had seemed deep and mysterious.
6
他面无表情,但亚历克斯能感觉到他未明言的批评之意。

tā miàn wú biǎo qíng, , dàn yà lì kè sī néng gǎn jué dào tā wèi míng yán de pī píng zhī。

His face was expressionless, but Alex felt the unspoken criticism.
7
她的表情隐在阴影中,很难读懂。

tā de biǎo qíng yǐn zài yīn yǐng zhōng, , hěn nán dú。

Under the shaded light her expression was difficult to read.
8
他一边和那扇门较着劲,一边表情滑稽地看着我。

tā yī biān hé nà shàn mén jiào zháo jìn, , yī biān biǎo qíng huá jī dì kàn zháo。

He looked at me humorously as he wrestled with the door.
9
他们中有很多人表情阴郁,留着平头,一看就是警察。

tā mén zhōng yǒu hěn duō rén biǎo qíng yīn yù, , liú zháo píng, tóu , yī kàn jiù shì。

Many of them were policemen, with their heavy faces and cropped hair.
10
出席葬礼的人大多都面无表情地静静站着。

chū xí zàng lǐ de rén dà duō dū miàn wú biǎo qíng dì jìng jìng zhàn zháo。

Most of those attending the funeral stood silently showing little emotion.

Cultural Notes for 表情

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, facial expressions can convey a range of emotions and subtleties, often more than words. Understanding 表情 is essential in social interactions, as showing or reading expressions correctly can be crucial in building relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions about 表情

You can say '他的表情很开心' (tā de biǎoqíng hěn kāixīn), meaning 'His expression is very happy.'