Roee's Wall of Incomprehensible Vocabulary

[Roee]

For some reason, every now and then pops up a word that even if I spend a year studying and peering at dictionaries I'd still would not get it. It would be great if you guys could shed some light:

1. 表示

[Xiao Kui]

Not from a dictionary, but just running into this word in context, I think 表示 biao3shi4 means "to show, indicate, display", ( i think it can also mean to express or communicate) . Since I've been reading more I run into it all the time. It gets confusing though since there are so many commonly used words that start with biao:

表达 to express (especially feelings)

表情 expression (especially facial)

表演 1, a show, performance 2. behavior, performance 3. to perform

I think these 3 words along with 表示 pop up quite often, so they're good to know, and it's good to distinguish between them

(These are contextual meanings - to lazy to open up NJ Star rt now.)

To remember what 表示 means it might be helpful to learn other words with 示 such as 暗示 ( to signal) or 指示 (to show, point out). Now you just need some native speakers or foreign scholars to make some sentences for you.

[Ole]

Senses and examples as found in: dict.cn

1. to show

2. to express

3. to say

4. to state

5. to indicate

1. 她邀请我吃饭以表示她的感激。

She showed me her gratitude by inviting me to dinner.

2. 她戴着结婚戒指，表示她已结婚。

She wears a wedding ring to show that she's married.

3. 她的来信表示对您的安康甚为挂念。

Her letter showed deep solicitude for your welfare.

4. 一些经济学家对失业率达到前所未有的程度表示忧虑。

Some economists showed their anxiety on unprecedented level of unemployment.

5. 他们表示有签订合同的意愿。

They showed a disposition to sign the contract.

6. 微笑常常表示高兴和友善。

A smile often denotes pleasure and friendship.

7. 我们送给那个可怜的小女孩一份生日礼物作为友谊的表示。

We sent the poor girl a birthday present in token of friendship.

8. 他表示了振振有词的抗议。

He expressed voluble protests.

hope it helps

Ole

[hughitt1]

mostly used as "to show" or "to indicate"... but sometimes also could be "to demonstrate"..etc