verb HSK 4
to express · to indicate · to show · to mean
Meaning
表示 means to express, show, or indicate something, whether thoughts, feelings, opinions, or meanings. It's a formal yet common verb used when someone explicitly communicates or demonstrates something through words, actions, or gestures.
Usage
表示 is used in both spoken and written Chinese, though it leans slightly formal. It commonly appears in contexts where someone expresses gratitude, opinions, intentions, or where something indicates a particular meaning. Often followed by the content of what is being expressed.
Examples
- 01他向我们表示感谢。.He expressed his gratitude to us.
- 02这个词在中文里表示什么意思？?What does this word mean in Chinese?
Characters
Common collocations
- 表示感谢to express gratitude
- 表示同意to indicate agreement
- 表示关心to show concern
- 表示支持to express support
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to showing or displaying. 表 originally referred to the outer garment or surface, while 示 depicts an altar showing divine signs. Together they emphasize the act of making something visible or known.