表述 (biǎoshù)

表述 means to describe, express, or formulate something in words, particularly in a clear and systematic manner. It is more formal than 说 or 表达, and implies structured, deliberate articulation of ideas, positions, or facts. It is widely used in academic writing, legal documents, and official communication.

Meanings

[v] to describe; to articulate; to formulate in words
[v] to state or present (an argument, position, or finding)

Example Sentences

他在论文中清晰地表述了自己的研究假设。 Tā zài lùnwén zhōng qīngxī de biǎoshùle zìjǐ de yánjiū jiǎshè. He clearly articulated his research hypotheses in the paper.

发言人就政府立场作了详细表述。 Fāyánrén jiù zhèngfǔ lìchǎng zuòle xiángxì biǎoshù. The spokesperson gave a detailed description of the government's position.

如何准确表述法律概念是法学研究的核心问题。 Rúhé zhǔnquè biǎoshù fǎlǜ gàiniàn shì fǎxué yánjiū de héxīn wèntí. How to accurately formulate legal concepts is a core issue in legal studies.

这份报告对市场趋势的表述过于模糊，缺乏说服力。 Zhè fèn bàogào duì shìchǎng qūshì de biǎoshù guòyú móhu, quēfá shuōfúlì. The report's description of market trends is too vague and lacks persuasiveness.

学生在答辩时需要简洁表述研究方法与结论。 Xuésheng zài dábèn shí xūyào jiǎnjié biǎoshù yánjiū fāngfǎ yǔ jiélùn. Students need to concisely articulate their research methods and conclusions during the defense.

她善于用通俗语言表述复杂的科学原理。 Tā shànyú yòng tōngsú yǔyán biǎoshù fùzá de kēxué yuánlǐ. She is skilled at describing complex scientific principles in accessible language.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
准确表述	accurate articulation
清晰表述	clear description
表述方式	mode of expression
表述立场	to state a position

Usage Notes

表述 is a formal verb used in written and spoken contexts that require precision. Unlike 表达 (biǎodá), which emphasizes emotional or personal expression, 表述 stresses systematic, logical presentation of content. It is often found in academic papers, government statements, legal texts, and professional reports. The object of 表述 is typically an abstract concept, viewpoint, or set of facts rather than feelings.

Grammatically, 表述 commonly appears in the pattern 对…作出表述 (to make a statement regarding…) or as a verbal noun in the form 表述方式 (mode of articulation). Avoid confusing it with 描述 (miáoshù), which focuses on descriptive depiction of scenes or events, while 表述 focuses on formulation of ideas.

Memory Hook

Think of 表 (surface, to show) + 述 (to narrate): "bringing ideas to the surface through narration" — formal, structured articulation.