Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 展示 | zhǎnshì |
| 表示 | biǎoshì |
| 顯示 / 显示 | xiǎnshì |
| 讓……看看 / 让……看看 | ràng … kàn kàn |
In Chinese, the word used for 'show' depends on the context. For example, 表示 is used to show or express an attitude, feeling or intention, such as showing respect or concern. If you are referring to a live performance, you might use terms like 表演 for acts by artists or magicians, 秀 for variety or talent shows or 演唱会 specifically for a music concert by a singer or band.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of 'show' are chosen based on the situation: 展示 is used to display or exhibit something physical or an abstract quality, often in a formal or grand sense like an exhibition. 表示 is used when 'showing' means expressing an attitude, feeling or intention through words or actions. 显示 is used when 'showing' refers to data, information or a status being displayed on a digital screen or a meter. Finally, 让……看看 is the most natural way to say 'show me' or 'show you' in casual, everyday spoken conversation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
展示 is a transitive verb that can be used in the structure '展示 + object', such as 展示力量 (show strength).
How do you pronounce it?
zhǎnshì
Did you know?
- The character 示 in 展示 (zhǎnshì) originally depicted a way to offer or present sacrificial items to an altar, evolving from a ritual of 'showing' to the divine.
- The word 秀 (xiù), often used for a 'show' like a talent show, is actually a phonetic loanword from the English 'show'. It is quite common in modern Mandarin to use this transliteration for performances.
- While 表示 means to show or express, it is often used as a polite way to 'signal' an intention without saying it explicitly, reflecting a cultural preference for indirect communication.
Examples in context
- 在这个世界上，有一个我们不能涉足、不该涉足的领域。认识到这样的存在并接受它，对它表示绝对的敬意，是一切信仰的第一步。There is a place in this world where we cannot and must not set foot. Knowing of this existence, to accept it and show it the greatest reverence is the first step to belief.This sentence demonstrates using 表示 to show reverence.Tatoeba #3130787 by sadhen, translation #6010323 by szilviez
- 我会向你展示怎样捕鱼。I'll show you how to catch fish.This sentence shows how to use 展示 to describe showing someone a skill.Tatoeba #1438389 by asosan, translation #19355 by CK
- 可以在地图上展示给我看吗？Can you show me on the map?This sentence uses 展示 to ask to see something on a map.Tatoeba #2393878 by fenfang557, translation #434430 by lukaszpp
- 我去看了一场很精彩的演出。I went to see a fantastic show.
- 他的魔术表演非常精彩。His magic show was amazing.
- 他参加了一个才艺秀。He participated in a talent show.
- 昨晚我去参加了一场很棒的演唱会。Last night, I attended a fantastic concert.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are preparing for a business presentation.
- 俊杰 Junjie雨婷，你的幻灯片准备好了吗？Yǔtíng, nǐ de huàndēngpiàn zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?Yuting, are your slides ready?
- 雨婷 Yuting准备好了，我现在展示给你看。Zhǔnbèi hǎo le, wǒ xiànzài zhǎnshì gěi nǐ kàn.They are ready, I will show them to you now.
- 俊杰 Junjie太好了，我想看看数据部分。Tài hǎo le, wǒ xiǎng kànkan shùjù bùfen.Great, I want to see the data section.
- 雨婷 Yuting没问题，请看这张图表。Méi wèntí, qǐng kàn zhè zhāng túbiǎo.No problem, please look at this chart.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “show” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
