Definition
显 (xiǎn) as an adjective means 'obvious, conspicuous' — something is easy to see or notice. As a verb it means 'to show, reveal'. It's more general than 突出 (tūchū 'stand out, prominent') and 显眼 (xiǎnyǎn 'eye-catching'), which emphasize being especially noticeable. 显然 (xiǎnrán) is a separate adverb meaning 'obviously, clearly'.
adjective
prominentconspicuousobvious
verb
to showto displayto reveal
Easily confused
- 湿shīlook-alikewet, moist
- 先xiānsound-alikefirst, in advance, before others
- 线xiànsound-alikethread; string; wire; line
- 险xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) dangerous, perilous
- 献xiànsound-aliketo offer, to present (with respect, e.g. flowers, gifts, opinion)
- 陷xiànsound-aliketo sink into, to get stuck in (physical substance); to cave in
- 县xiànsound-alikecounty
- 闲xiánsound-alikefree (not busy), idle, unoccupied
- 嫌xiánsound-aliketo dislike (usually because something is unsatisfactory); to complain about; to find fault with
- 咸xiánsound-alikesalty
Examples
- 。Zhège guǎnggào de xiàoguǒ hěn míng xiǎn.The effect of this advertisement is very obvious.
- 。Tā liǎn shàng xiǎn chū le xiàoróng.A smile appeared on her face.
- 。Zhè jiàn yīfu xiǎn chū le tā de yōuyǎ.This dress shows off her elegance.
Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.