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March 24, 2026
表现(表現)biǎoxiàn(biao3xian4)
The word '表现' (biǎoxiàn) refers to the act of showing or displaying something, often relating to behavior or performance. It can describe how someone manifests their feelings or abilities, and is commonly used in contexts such as work performance, artistic expression, or personal behavior.
Frequency#474DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '表现' is closely tied to the idea of face (面子), where how one performs socially or professionally can significantly affect one's reputation and relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a performer (表) on a stage showing (现) off their talent to the audience. The character 表 (biǎo) resembles a person standing on a platform, while 现 (xiàn) suggests the idea of something being presented or revealed.
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AI Study Notes for 表现
Quick Contrast
表现 (biǎoxiàn) vs 展示 (zhǎnshì) — use 表现 for behavior or performance, while 展示 is more about showing or presenting objects.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a performer (表) on a stage showing (现) off their talent to the audience. The character 表 (biǎo) resembles a person standing on a platform, while 现 (xiàn) suggests the idea of something being presented or revealed.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use '表现'; it can carry a positive connotation when referring to good performance but may imply showing off in a negative light. Common collocations include '表现得好' (perform well) and '表现出' (show/display something).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, '表现' is essential for discussing more complex topics such as work performance or emotional expression. Focus on using it in sentences to describe specific behaviors or performances.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '表现' is closely tied to the idea of face (面子), where how one performs socially or professionally can significantly affect one's reputation and relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '表现' with '表现出', using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我表现出得很好' is incorrect; it should be '我表现得很好' to mean 'I performed well.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 表现
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Grammar Patterns of 表现
表现 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 10 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.
In Europe, Aga Khan III presented himself in a completely different light.
Cultural Notes for 表现
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '表现' is closely tied to the idea of face (面子), where how one performs socially or professionally can significantly affect one's reputation and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 表现
'表现' focuses more on behavior and how one shows their abilities or feelings, while '展示' is more about displaying or exhibiting something to an audience.
Yes, '表现' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions related to performance evaluations.
No, while it can refer to good performance, it can also imply showing off in a negative way, depending on the context.
