lièbiǎo: 列表 - List, Table, Chart [The Contextual Chinese Dictionary]

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====== lièbiǎo: 列表 - List, Table, Chart ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  *   **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)`.
===== Core Meaning =====
  *   **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  *   **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.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
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.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**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 Sentences =====
  *   **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.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
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.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  *   [[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**.