表示 (biǎoshì) — to express / to indicate

表示 (biǎoshì)

表示 means to express or indicate. It is used when conveying emotions, opinions, or meanings, whether through words, gestures, or symbols. It is more formal and deliberate than simply 说 (to say).

Meanings

1. [verb] To express; to show; to convey (feelings, attitudes, opinions).
2. [verb] To indicate; to mean; to represent; to signify.

Example Sentences

他向我表示了感谢。 Tā xiàng wǒ biǎoshì le gǎnxiè. He expressed his thanks to me.

她点头表示同意。 Tā diǎntóu biǎoshì tóngyì. She nodded to indicate agreement.

红灯表示停止，绿灯表示通行。 Hóngdēng biǎoshì tíngzhǐ, lǜdēng biǎoshì tōngxíng. A red light indicates stop; a green light indicates go.

他表示愿意帮助我们。 Tā biǎoshì yuànyì bāngzhù wǒmen. He expressed willingness to help us.

Collocations

Memory Hook

表 means outward surface or to express externally, and 示 means to show or indicate. 表示 is to show something outward from within, like using a gesture or word to let others see what is inside your mind or heart.