Meaning of 表达
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to express; to convey
How to use 表达
表达 is used for expressing feelings, ideas, opinions, or thanks, often with words like 想法 (xiǎngfǎ, ideas) or 感情 (gǎnqíng, feelings). It can also describe how well someone communicates. Example: 我不知道怎么表达我的感谢。(Wǒ bù zhīdào zěnme biǎodá wǒ de gǎnxiè.) I don't know how to express my thanks.
表 (biǎo) means the outside or surface, and 达 (dá) means to reach, as in 到达 (dàodá). To 表达 is to bring what is inside you out to the surface so it reaches someone else.
Common mistake: Learners often use 表达 where 表示 (biǎoshì) fits better. 表示 is for stating a position or what something indicates, like 他表示同意 (he said he agreed), while 表达 focuses on conveying feelings or ideas, often with attention to how well it is done.
表达 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
表 biǎo · exterior surface · 8 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
达 dá · to reach · 6 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Related words
Words that share a character with 表达.
| 表示 | biǎoshì | (of sb) to express; to state; to show; (of sth) to indicate; to signify; to show |
| 手表 | shǒubiǎo | wristwatch |
| 代表 | dàibiǎo | representative; delegate |
| 表演 | biǎoyǎn | play; show |
| 表现 | biǎoxiàn | to show; to show off |
| 到达 | dàodá | to reach; to arrive |
| 达到 | dádào | to reach; to achieve; to attain |
| 表明 | biǎomíng | to make clear; to make known |
| 发表 | fābiǎo | to issue; to publish |
| 表面 | biǎomiàn | surface; face |
| 表格 | biǎogé | form; table |
| 发达 | fādá | well-developed; flourishing; to develop; to promote; to expand |
Questions about 表达
What does 表达 mean?
表达 (biǎodá) means "to express; to convey" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 表达?
表达 is made of 2 characters: 表 (8 strokes), 达 (6 strokes). That is 14 strokes in total.
Is 表达 an HSK word?
Yes. 表达 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 表达 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 表达 is written 表達.
Can 表达 be used as a noun?
Yes. It can mean expression or the way something is expressed, as in 他的表达很清楚 (Tā de biǎodá hěn qīngchu), His way of expressing things is very clear. You will also see it in 表达能力 (biǎodá nénglì), communication skills.
What is the difference between 表达 and 表现?
表达 is about conveying thoughts or feelings, usually through words. 表现 (biǎoxiàn) is about showing something through behavior or performance, like how someone does at work or in a game.