表示 (biǎoshì)

表示 means to express, indicate, or show something through words, actions, or symbols. It is used when conveying attitudes, emotions, opinions, or when one thing represents or symbolizes another.

Meanings

[verb] To indicate; to express; to show; to mean; to signify.

Example Sentences

她微笑着表示对这个决定的支持。 Tā wēixiào zhe biǎoshì duì zhège juédìng de zhīchí. She smiled to express her support for this decision.

红灯表示禁止通行，绿灯表示可以通行。 Hóngdēng biǎoshì jìnzhǐ tōngxíng, lǜdēng biǎoshì kěyǐ tōngxíng. A red light indicates no entry; a green light indicates you may proceed.

政府表示将采取措施改善交通状况。 Zhèngfǔ biǎoshì jiāng cǎiqǔ cuòshī gǎishàn jiāotōng zhuàngkuàng. The government indicated that it would take measures to improve traffic conditions.

他向老师表示感谢，感激老师多年来的指导。 Tā xiàng lǎoshī biǎoshì gǎnxiè, gǎnjī lǎoshī duōnián lái de zhǐdǎo. He expressed gratitude to his teacher, appreciating years of guidance.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
表示感谢	express gratitude
表示支持	express support
表示同意	indicate agreement
表示关心	show concern
表示反对	express opposition

Usage Notes

表示 is often followed by a noun or a verb phrase indicating what is being expressed: 表示 + 感谢/同意/反对/理解. When used with an abstract subject (like a symbol or data), it means "to represent/signify": 这个符号表示加法 (This symbol represents addition). It is more formal and explicit than 说 (to say) because it emphasizes the communicative intent behind an act.

Memory Hook

表 means "surface/outside" and 示 means "to show/demonstrate." 表示 is literally to show something on the outside, making an inner feeling or meaning visible to others.