biǎoxiàn: 表现 - Performance, Expression, to Show, to Display

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Summary: Learn the crucial Chinese word 表现 (biǎoxiàn), a versatile term that means both “performance” (at work, school, or in sports) and “to show” or “to express” (feelings, qualities). This page breaks down the cultural significance of `表现` in a society that values observable actions, provides over 10 practical example sentences, and clarifies the key difference between `表现` (general performance) and `表演` (artistic performance) to avoid common mistakes.

Pinyin (with tone marks): biǎo xiàn

Part of Speech: Verb, Noun

HSK Level: HSK 4

Concise Definition: To show, display, or manifest; a performance, expression, or manifestation.

In a Nutshell: `表现` is all about what you can see. It's the outward evidence of your skills, effort, feelings, or character. Think of it as the bridge between your internal state and how the world perceives you. At work, your `表现` is your overall job performance. In school, it's your academic performance. When you're feeling a certain way, how you act is your `表现`. It’s about making the internal, external.

表 (biǎo): This character means “surface,” “outside,” or “to show.” Imagine it as the outer layer of something, the part that everyone sees. It's also used in words like `手表 (shǒubiǎo)` (wristwatch) and `表格 (biǎogé)` (a form/table).

现 (xiàn): This character means “to appear,” “to manifest,” or “present.” It contains the radical for “see” (见) and originally related to a piece of jade being revealed. It signifies something becoming visible or coming into being.

Combined Meaning: Together, 表 (surface/show) + 现 (appear) literally means “to show-appear” or “to manifest on the surface.” This perfectly captures the idea of an observable performance or expression.

In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on observable actions and one's role within a group (family, company, society). `表现` is the primary way your value, diligence, and respect are judged. It's less about “what you're feeling inside” and more about “what you are demonstrating to others.”

Comparison to Western “Authenticity”: While Western culture often prizes “being true to yourself” and spontaneous self-expression, Chinese culture can place a higher value on a “good `表现`.” A good `表现` means behaving appropriately for the situation, showing respect, and fulfilling your role competently. For example, at a family dinner, enthusiastically praising the food and engaging politely with elders is a good `表现`, regardless of your actual mood. This isn't seen as “fake,” but as respectful and socially skilled.

Connection to 面子 (miànzi): `表现` is deeply tied to the concept of “face” (面子). A good performance (`表现好`) at work or school brings “face” to you, your family, and your superiors. Conversely, a poor performance (`表现不好`) can lead to a loss of face for everyone involved. Therefore, there's significant social pressure to always maintain a good `表现`.

“Showing Off” (Negative Connotation): When someone is trying too hard to be noticed, you can say they `爱表现 (ài biǎoxiàn)`, which means “loves to show off” or “is an attention-seeker.”

In Relationships: When meeting a potential partner's parents, you are expected to `好好表现 (hǎohǎo biǎoxiàn)`—to “perform well” by being polite, capable, and respectful.

表演 (biǎoyǎn) - To perform (artistically); an artistic performance. The most important term to distinguish from `表现`.

表达 (biǎodá) - To express (an opinion, a feeling), typically with words. `表达` is about communicating, while `表现` is about showing or manifesting.

显示 (xiǎnshì) - To show, display, demonstrate. Often used in a more technical sense, like a computer screen `显示` data or a study `显示` a result.

体现 (tǐxiàn) - To embody, to reflect. This is more abstract. A building can `体现` a design philosophy; a policy can `体现` a government's values. `表现` is more about the concrete actions of an individual.

成绩 (chéngjì) - Grades, results, achievements. This is a very specific, often quantifiable, type of `表现`, especially in academics or sports.

态度 (tàidù) - Attitude. Your `态度` is a key component of your overall `表现`. A good attitude is often as important as good results.

面子 (miànzi) - “Face,” social standing. A good `表现` is a primary way to gain and maintain `面子`.