Definition
表示 means to express, show, or indicate — it can be used for feelings, opinions, or signs (e.g., a red light means stop). 表达 (biǎodá) is more specific to expressing thoughts/feelings through language or art; 意味着 (yìwèizhe) is more abstract, meaning 'to imply' or 'to signify'.
verb
to express (feelings, opinions)to showto indicate (a sign, symbol)to meanto signify
Easily confused
- 标识biāo shísound-alike(noun) mark, sign, logo
- 标示biāo shìsound-aliketo indicate; to mark; to label
Examples
- 表示。Tā biǎo shì tā bù tóngyì zhège jìhuà.He expressed that he disagrees with this plan.
- 表示。Hóng dēng biǎo shì chēliàng bìxū tíng xià.A red light means vehicles must stop.
- 表示。Tā de shǒushì biǎo shì huānyíng.Her gesture showed welcome.
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