HSK 4 表示 vs 表现
to express/indicate vs to perform/show (behavior)
Comparison / 对比
| 表示 biǎoshì | 表现 biǎoxiàn | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To express verbally/symbolically; to indicate | To behave; to perform; to display through actions |
| Object type | Feelings, opinions, attitudes, meanings | Ability, behavior, character (often abstract) |
| Common collocates | 表示同意 / 表示感谢 / 表示意见 / 表示祝贺 | 表现得好 / 表现能力 / 工作表现 / 表现出色 |
| Noun use | Symbol/sign: 红色表示停止 | Performance/behavior: 他的表现很好 |
Examples / 例句
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
Quick Quiz / 小测验
Real HSK 4 Test Questions Using 表示 or 表现 / 真题示例
2 actual HSK 4 questions from our mock exams that test the 表示 vs 表现 distinction:
表示 vs 表现 FAQ
Are 表示 and 表现 interchangeable in HSK 4?
No. Although 表示 (biǎoshì) and 表现 (biǎoxiàn) translate similarly into English, HSK 4 fill-in-the-blank and listening questions test exactly the distinction between them. 表示 = make known through words or symbols (express/indicate).
How is 表示 vs 表现 tested in HSK 4?
Most often in HSK 4 阅读 (reading) Part 1 选词填空 (Q46-55), where you choose the correct word for a blank in a sentence. Also appears in 听力 (listening) where the speaker uses one but the printed answer paraphrases with the other. Master both 表示 and 表现 collocations to lock in these points.
What's the quickest way to remember 表示 vs 表现?
表示 = make known through words or symbols (express/indicate). 表现 = make visible through actions/behavior (show/perform). EASY TEST: if a word like 'thanks/agreement/opinion' follows, use 表示. If 'well/badly/excellently' (adverb) follows or you're describing how someone behaves, use 表现. Also note 表扬 = to praise (different word — to give praise to someone). Practice 3-5 fill-in-blank questions in our HSK 4 mock exams to lock the distinction.