表明 (biǎomíng) — to indicate; to make clear

表明 (biǎomíng)

表明 means to make something evident or explicit, whether through actions, data, or statements, and is a formal alternative to 说明 when emphasizing that a fact or stance is clearly revealed.

Meanings

1. [verb] to indicate; to show; to make clear; to express

Example Sentences

数据表明，今年的经济增长超出预期。 Shùjù biǎomíng, jīnnián de jīngjì zēngzhǎng chāochū yùqī. The data indicates that this year's economic growth has exceeded expectations.

他的行动表明他对这项工作非常认真。 Tā de xíngdòng biǎomíng tā duì zhè xiàng gōngzuò fēicháng rènzhēn. His actions show that he takes this work very seriously.

研究结果表明，睡眠不足会影响记忆力。 Yánjiū jiéguǒ biǎomíng, shuìmián bùzú huì yǐngxiǎng jìyìlì. Research results indicate that lack of sleep affects memory.

她公开表明了自己的立场。 Tā gōngkāi biǎomíngle zìjǐ de lìchǎng. She publicly made her position clear.

这份报告表明公司的财务状况良好。 Zhè fèn bàogào biǎomíng gōngsī de cáiwù zhuàngkuàng liánghǎo. This report indicates that the company's financial situation is healthy.

他拒绝签字，表明他对合同有异议。 Tā jùjué qiānzì, biǎomíng tā duì hétong yǒu yìyì. His refusal to sign indicates that he has objections to the contract.

Collocations

Usage Notes

表明 is more formal than 说明 (shuōmíng) and is typically used when evidence, actions, or facts reveal something clearly. It is very common in academic writing and news reports in the pattern: [evidence] + 表明 + [conclusion].

Unlike 表示 (biǎoshì), which can refer to expressing emotions or degrees, 表明 focuses specifically on making a stance or fact unambiguous. The subject can be a person or impersonal data/research.

Memory Hook

表 (surface/to show) + 明 (bright/clear): to bring something up to the bright surface so it is clearly visible -- to make clear.