express

lisaatwork2
 July 14, 2008, 06:45 PM posted in General Discussion

Hi all, who could explain to me the difference between "biao da" "biaoxian" and "biaoshi"? Could you give me some examples of how they are used? They all generally mean "to express" or "show" but I'm confused as to how to use them.

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wolson
 July 14, 2008, 08:12 PM

I will give these a shot. Keep in mind that I am a student, not a native Chinese speaker not a language teacher. Therefore, if I am wrong, I hope that Uncle Changge or others will correct me:

 

 

表达 biao3da2: verb; this is the activity of expressing oneself about an external thing, the voice of doing it, to convey it. (你没有意思表达出来。You did not convey the meaning.)

 

表示 biao3shi4: verb; this refers more to the expression of expressing oneself and is directed at internal attitudes, ideas or feelings. (你为你的倒霉表示冷淡。You were impassive regarding your bad luck.) 表示 can also be used to mean “represent.”

 

表现 biao3xian4: verb; this is show or demonstrate. (我为我的汉语变现自己。I like to show off my Chinese.)