表现 biǎoxiàn to show
to show; to show off; to display; to manifest; expression; manifestation; show; display; performance (at work etc); behavior
How to remember 表现: 表 indicator + 现 the present = to show.
Characters
How it is used
- Both a noun (performance, behavior) and a verb (to show/display), very common in school and workplace evaluation.
- 他表现很好 (tā biǎoxiàn hěn hǎo) - he's performing well / behaving well, a standard teacher or manager comment.
- As a verb aimed at oneself, 表现自己 (biǎoxiàn zìjǐ, to show off) can carry a negative shade of trying too hard to impress.
- Distinct from 显示 (xiǎnshì, to display data/information) - 表现 is specifically about behavior, ability, or qualities being demonstrated.
Example sentences
- 大家的表现都很优秀。 Dàjiā de biǎoxiàn dōu hěn yōuxiù.Everyone's performance was excellent.
- 有时候成人表现得像儿童。 Yǒushíhòu chéngrén biǎoxiàn de xiàng értóng.Sometimes adults behave like children.
- 他表现的像个疯子。 Tā biǎoxiàn de xiàng gè fēngzi.He acted like a madman.