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演示 (yǎn shì) — to demonstrate, to show (a process, function, product, etc.)

Definition

演示 is to demonstrate by performing or walking through a process (a software feature, a workflow) for an audience. It implies showing *how* something works, unlike 显示 (just display) or 示范 (model a correct method to copy).

verb
to demonstrateto show (a process, function, product, etc.)
Easily confused

Examples

  • 演示。
    Gōng chéng shī zài chē jiān yǎn shì le xīn de zhuāng pèi liú chéng.
    The engineer demonstrated the new assembly process in the workshop.
  • 演示。
    Zhè ge yìng yòng yǎn shì le rén gōng zhì néng de shí bié néng lì.
    This app demonstrates the recognition capability of artificial intelligence.
  • 演示。
    Qǐng nǐ gěi dà jiā yǎn shì yí xià zhè ge ruǎn jiàn zěn me yòng.
    Please demonstrate how to use this software for everyone.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

演yǎnperform
示shìshow

演 (perform) and 示 (show) combine to mean demonstrate by showing.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
氵Written in full as水shuǐ
Sound part声符shēngfú
寅
寅yín演yǎn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

演 pairs 氵 (water) with 寅, which gives the sound yín.

Open 演 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

示 began as a drawing of an altar. Extra strokes were added to keep it distinct from unrelated old forms.

Open 示 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Communication & Speech

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