表 biǎo

An outer garment with the fur facing outward.

To show, express, or display; a form, chart, or wristwatch; the outer surface. Clothing (衣) with fur (毛) rising through the top, exposing the visible outside.

Common Usage & Traps

  • 看手表时间 -> 看表子 看表 / 看手表

    Do not add 子 to 表 for watch. 表子 is an offensive homophone; always say 手表 or simply 表.

What is the core visual insight behind 表 (biǎo)?

Fur clothing (衣) worn on the outside to display and show off.

Understanding the internal components of 表 unlocks rapid recall across related compound words.

Appears in Stories 2 stories

《成语0001:东山再起》 The Comeback: From Eastern Mountain to Success
HSK 7 ~5 min read 589 chars
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Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.

  • 谢安出来工作后, 表现 出色,做到了很高的位置。

  • 这是一个褒义词, 表达 的是鼓励和佩服。

《这还是茶馆儿吗?》 Teahouse or Cinema?
HSK 3 ~3 min read 325 chars
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Ever wondered where old Beijing's tea-drinking culture has gone? Follow a visitor discovering why locals now avoid famous tea houses—and practice expressing surprise and comparisons in Chinese along the way.

  • 因为在那儿可以一边喝茶,一边看 表演 ,看唱歌、跳舞什么的。

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