lièbiǎo: 列表 - List, Table, Chart

• Keywords: lièbiǎo, 列表, what does liebiao mean, Chinese for list, how to say list in Chinese, Chinese list, to-do list in Chinese, shopping list in Chinese, playlist in Chinese, list vs table in Chinese.
• Summary: Learn how to say “list” in Chinese with the word 列表 (lièbiǎo). This fundamental HSK 4 term is essential for everything from making a shopping list (购物列表) and a to-do list (待办事项列表) to navigating websites and understanding data in modern China. This page breaks down its characters, cultural context, practical uses, and crucial differences from similar words like `清单 (qīngdān)` and `表格 (biǎogé)`.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): liè biǎo
• Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A series of items, names, or data points arranged in a structured sequence.
• In a Nutshell: 列表 (lièbiǎo) is your go-to word for “list” in Chinese. Think of any time you'd use the word “list” in English—a grocery list, a list of names, a playlist, a list of search results—列表 is almost always the right choice. It implies organization and order, and you'll see it constantly in digital and daily life.

• 列 (liè): This character originally depicted separating meat with a knife, which evolved to mean “to arrange in order,” “to line up,” or “a row.” Picture soldiers standing in a neat row (列).
• 表 (biǎo): This character means “surface,” “to show/express,” and, most importantly here, “a table” or “a chart.” Think of a watch surface (手表) that shows the time, or a form that expresses information.

The two characters combine literally to mean “to arrange in a table/form” (列 + 表). This perfectly captures the modern meaning: information that is organized and presented clearly in a list format.

While 列表 (lièbiǎo) is a functional, modern term, its widespread use reflects a key aspect of contemporary Chinese society: the emphasis on clarity, order, and efficiency. In a culture that values structured information, from ancient imperial records to modern business reports, the 列表 is a powerful tool. Contrast this with the Western concept of a “to-do list.” While functionally identical, the Chinese equivalent, 待办事项列表 (dàibàn shìxiàng lièbiǎo), fits into a broader context of planning and task management that is highly valued in China's fast-paced work environment. The clarity of a 列表 helps manage complex tasks and maintain efficiency, a cornerstone of modern Chinese business and life. It's less about a casual “laundry list” of ideas and more about a structured plan of action or a clear presentation of data.

列表 is a ubiquitous term you'll encounter daily, especially in digital contexts.

• On Websites & Apps: Almost every website or app uses 列表. You'll see it for search results (搜索结果列表), product lists (产品列表), friend lists (好友列表), and music playlists (播放列表).
• Daily Life: It's used for practical, everyday tasks. You'll make a 购物列表 (gòuwù lièbiǎo) before going to the supermarket or a 待办事项列表 (dàibàn shìxiàng lièbiǎo) to organize your day.
• In the Office: In a professional setting, you might be asked to create a client list (客户列表) or a list of requirements (需求列表). The verb form is also common, e.g., “Please list the pros and cons” (请列表说明优缺点).
• Connotation: The term is neutral. Its formality depends entirely on the context. A handwritten shopping list is informal, while a list of applicants in an official document is very formal.

• Example 1:
  • 去超市前，我得先写一个购物列表。
  • Pinyin: Qù chāoshì qián, wǒ děi xiān xiě yí gè gòuwù lièbiǎo.
  • English: Before going to the supermarket, I have to write a shopping list first.
  • Analysis: A classic, everyday use case. 购物 (gòuwù) means “shopping,” so 购物列表 is literally a “shopping list.”
• Example 2:
  • 这是我们公司的客户列表，请保密。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒmen gōngsī de kèhù lièbiǎo, qǐng bǎomì.
  • English: This is our company's client list, please keep it confidential.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates a formal, professional use of the term. 客户 (kèhù) means “client.”
• Example 3:
  • 我每天早上都会检查我的待办事项列表。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ měitiān zǎoshang dōu huì jiǎnchá wǒ de dàibàn shìxiàng lièbiǎo.
  • English: Every morning, I check my to-do list.
  • Analysis: 待办事项 (dàibàn shìxiàng) means “matters waiting to be handled,” the standard term for “to-do items.”
• Example 4:
  • 你能把这些数据列表显示吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bǎ zhèxiē shùjù lièbiǎo xiǎnshì ma?
  • English: Can you display this data in a list format?
  • Analysis: Here, 列表 is used almost as a verb, meaning “to put into a list” or “as a list.” It modifies the verb 显示 (xiǎnshì), “to display.”
• Example 5:
  • 这个网站的用户界面很干净，列表很清晰。
  • Pinyin: Zhège wǎngzhàn de yònghù jièmiàn hěn gānjìng, lièbiǎo hěn qīngxī.
  • English: The user interface of this website is very clean, and the lists are very clear.
  • Analysis: A common way to describe the layout of a website or app.
• Example 6:
  • 我在音乐软件上创建了一个新的播放列表。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zài yīnyuè ruǎnjiàn shàng chuàngjiànle yí gè xīn de bōfàng lièbiǎo.
  • English: I created a new playlist on the music app.
  • Analysis: 播放 (bōfàng) means “to play,” so 播放列表 is the standard term for “playlist.”
• Example 7:
  • 老师给我们发了一份推荐书目列表。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī gěi wǒmen fāle yí fèn tuījiàn shūmù lièbiǎo.
  • English: The teacher sent us a recommended reading list.
  • Analysis: 书目 (shūmù) means “book list” or “bibliography.” Adding 列表 emphasizes the format.
• Example 8:
  • 请把所有的候选人放在一个列表里。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ suǒyǒu de hòuxuǎnrén fàng zài yí gè lièbiǎo lǐ.
  • English: Please put all the candidates in one list.
  • Analysis: Shows a simple command structure using 把 (bǎ). 候选人 (hòuxuǎnrén) means “candidate.”
• Example 9:
  • 点击这里查看完整的获奖者列表。
  • Pinyin: Diǎnjī zhèlǐ chákàn wánzhěng de huòjiǎngzhě lièbiǎo.
  • English: Click here to view the complete list of winners.
  • Analysis: A phrase you would commonly see on a website after a contest or awards ceremony.
• Example 10:
  • 他把自己的优点和缺点都列表了出来。
  • Pinyin: Tā bǎ zìjǐ de yōudiǎn hé quēdiǎn dōu lièbiǎo le chūlái.
  • English: He listed out all of his strengths and weaknesses.
  • Analysis: This is a clear example of 列表 used as a verb, paired with 出来 (chūlái) to mean “list out.” This is a very native way of speaking.

A common point of confusion for learners is distinguishing 列表 (lièbiǎo) from other words that also mean “list” or “table.”

• 列表 (lièbiǎo) vs. 清单 (qīngdān):
  • 列表 is the general, neutral word for any list.
  • 清单 (qīngdān) implies an inventory or a checklist of items to be accounted for. It's often used for a shipping list (发货清单), a list of assets (资产清单), or a shopping list (购物清单 - interchangeable with 购物列表). Think of it as a list where you might “check off” items.
• 列表 (lièbiǎo) vs. 表格 (biǎogé):
  • A 列表 is a single-column or simple arrangement of items.
  • A 表格 (biǎogé) is a “table” or “form” with rows and columns, like a spreadsheet. If you need to fill in a form or organize data in a grid, you use 表格.
  • *Incorrect:* 请填写这个列表。 (Please fill out this list.) → *Correct:* 请填写这个表格。 (Please fill out this form/table.)
• 列表 (lièbiǎo) vs. 目录 (mùlù):
  • A 列表 is a list of items.
  • A 目录 (mùlù) is a “table of contents,” “directory,” or “catalog.” It's a list that helps you navigate a larger body of information, like the chapters in a book or the files in a folder.

• 清单 (qīngdān) - A more specific term for a checklist or inventory list.
• 表格 (biǎogé) - A table or form with rows and columns.
• 目录 (mùlù) - A directory, catalog, or table of contents.
• 名单 (míngdān) - A namelist (e.g., of attendees, students). It's a specific type of 列表.
• 菜单 (càidān) - A menu, which is a list of food and drinks.
• 价目表 (jiàmùbiǎo) - A price list. Note the use of 表 (biǎo) here.
• 排行榜 (páihángbǎng) - A ranking list, chart, or leaderboard.
• 列出 (lièchū) - A common verb compound meaning “to list out.”
• 待办事项 (dàibàn shìxiàng) - To-do items; the content of a to-do list.
• 顺序 (shùnxù) - Order, sequence; describes the arrangement of items in a 列表.