xiǎnshì: 显示 - To Show, Display, Reveal

• Keywords: 显示, xianshi, Chinese word for show, display, reveal, demonstrate, Chinese grammar, learn Chinese, HSK 4, what does xianshi mean, computer display in Chinese
• Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of the essential Chinese word 显示 (xiǎnshì), which means “to show,” “display,” or “reveal.” This guide covers its core definition, character origins, and practical applications, especially in technology and data analysis. Understand the key differences between 显示 (xiǎnshì), 表现 (biǎoxiàn), and 展示 (zhǎnshì) with clear examples, helping you use this common HSK 4 vocabulary word accurately in modern Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xiǎn shì
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: 4
• Concise Definition: To show, display, reveal, or demonstrate something, often information or data.
• In a Nutshell: 显示 (xiǎnshì) is the word you use when something is being presented for you to see, especially on a screen or in a formal report. Think of a computer monitor displaying an error message, a chart showing sales figures, or a thermometer revealing the temperature. It's more objective and often more formal than simply “showing” a friend a photo.

• 显 (xiǎn): This character means “to appear,” “obvious,” or “clear.” It's composed of 日 (rì), the character for “sun,” at the top. The sun illuminates things, making them visible and clear to see.
• 示 (shì): This character means “to show” or “to reveal.” Its original form was a pictogram of an altar, representing something being revealed or shown, as if by a higher power.

When combined, 显示 (xiǎnshì) literally means “to clearly show” or “to make apparent by revealing.” The two characters reinforce each other to create a strong, clear meaning of “to display.”

While 显示 (xiǎnshì) is not a deeply philosophical term like 关系 (guānxi), its modern usage reveals a lot about contemporary China. Culturally, traditional Chinese communication can often be indirect and high-context. Feelings and intentions are often hinted at rather than stated outright. 显示 (xiǎnshì) stands in contrast to this. It represents a more direct, modern, and often data-driven way of communication. It is the language of technology, science, and business where clarity and objectivity are essential. Compare this to the English word “show.” You can “show” emotion, “show” a friend your new car, or “show” your work. In Chinese, these situations would likely use different words. 显示 (xiǎnshì) is specifically for the kind of “showing” that is about presenting objective facts or visual information. The rise of this word in everyday language parallels China's rapid technological and economic development, where data and clear information have become increasingly important.

显示 (xiǎnshì) is extremely common in modern life, especially in formal or technical contexts.

• Technology: This is its most frequent use. Anything with a screen 显示 (xiǎnshì)s information.
  • e.g., 我的手机上显示有未接来电。 (Wǒ de shǒujī shàng xiǎnshì yǒu wèijiē láidiàn.) - My phone is displaying a missed call.
• Data and Research: When presenting findings from reports, studies, or surveys.
  • e.g., 报告显示，今年的利润增长了20%。 (Bàogào xiǎnshì, jīnnián de lìrùn zēngzhǎng le 20%.) - The report shows that profits have increased by 20% this year.
• Demonstrating Qualities (Formal): It can be used to say someone or something demonstrates or reveals a certain quality, though this is often more formal.
  • e.g., 他在比赛中显示了非凡的才华。 (Tā zài bǐsài zhōng xiǎnshì le fēifán de cáihuá.) - He demonstrated extraordinary talent in the competition.

It is generally considered neutral and formal. In casual conversation, you would more likely use a simpler phrase like 给我看看 (gěi wǒ kànkan - let me see).

• Example 1:
  • 电脑屏幕上显示“连接失败”。
  • Pinyin: Diànnǎo píngmù shàng xiǎnshì “liánjiē shībài”.
  • English: The computer screen displays “Connection Failed.”
  • Analysis: This is the most common use of 显示, referring to information appearing on a screen.
• Example 2:
  • 调查结果显示，大多数人支持这项新政策。
  • Pinyin: Diàochá jiéguǒ xiǎnshì, dàduōshù rén zhīchí zhè xiàng xīn zhèngcè.
  • English: The survey results show that the majority of people support this new policy.
  • Analysis: Here, 显示 is used to introduce factual findings from data or research.
• Example 3:
  • 他的脸上显示出失望的表情。
  • Pinyin: Tā de liǎn shàng xiǎnshì chū shīwàng de biǎoqíng.
  • English: His face showed an expression of disappointment.
  • Analysis: While less common than with data, 显示 can be used to describe an obvious, visible emotion. The directional complement 出 (chū) emphasizes that the emotion is emerging or coming out.
• Example 4:
  • 温度计显示现在的气温是三十度。
  • Pinyin: Wēndùjì xiǎnshì xiànzài de qìwēn shì sānshí dù.
  • English: The thermometer shows that the current temperature is 30 degrees.
  • Analysis: Used for any instrument that displays a reading.
• Example 5:
  • 这个标志显示前方正在施工。
  • Pinyin: Zhège biāozhì xiǎnshì qiánfāng zhèngzài shīgōng.
  • English: This sign indicates that there is construction ahead.
  • Analysis: 显示 can be used when a sign or symbol visually presents information.
• Example 6:
  • 系统没有显示任何错误信息。
  • Pinyin: Xìtǒng méiyǒu xiǎnshì rènhé cuòwù xìnxī.
  • English: The system did not display any error messages.
  • Analysis: A common negative form, used frequently in IT and technical contexts.
• Example 7:
  • 最新的数据显示经济正在复苏。
  • Pinyin: Zuìxīn de shùjù xiǎnshì jīngjì zhèngzài fùsū.
  • English: The latest data indicates that the economy is recovering.
  • Analysis: Another classic example of 显示 used with 数据 (shùjù - data).
• Example 8:
  • 他在危机时刻显示出了真正的领导力。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài wēijī shíkè xiǎnshì chūle zhēnzhèng de lǐngdǎolì.
  • English: He demonstrated true leadership during the crisis.
  • Analysis: A more abstract and formal usage, meaning to demonstrate or reveal a quality.
• Example 9:
  • GPS 显示我们离目的地只有五公里了。
  • Pinyin: GPS xiǎnshì wǒmen lí mùdìdì zhǐyǒu wǔ gōnglǐ le.
  • English: The GPS shows we are only five kilometers from our destination.
  • Analysis: A very practical, everyday example related to technology.
• Example 10:
  • 请点击“确定”来显示更多选项。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng diǎnjī “quèdìng” lái xiǎnshì gèng duō xuǎnxiàng.
  • English: Please click “OK” to display more options.
  • Analysis: Used in user interface (UI) instructions.

• 显示 (xiǎnshì) vs. 表现 (biǎoxiàn): This is a critical distinction.
  • 显示 (xiǎnshì) is for displaying objective information or data. (The screen 显示s the time.)
  • 表现 (biǎoxiàn) is for performance, behavior, or expressing an inner quality through action. (He 表现s very well at work - 他工作表现得很好。) * Mistake: Saying “屏幕表现很好” (Píngmù biǎoxiàn hěn hǎo). This sounds like you're praising the screen's “behavior.” You should say “屏幕显示效果很好” (Píngmù xiǎnshì xiàoguǒ hěn hǎo - The screen's display effect is very good). * 显示 (xiǎnshì) vs. 给…看 (gěi…kàn): * 显示 (xiǎnshì) is impersonal and formal. * 给…看 (gěi…kàn) is personal and informal (“to show someone something”). * Mistake: “我显示你我的新照片。” (Wǒ xiǎnshì nǐ wǒ de xīn zhàopiàn.) * Correct: “我给你看看我的新照片。” (Wǒ gěi nǐ kànkan wǒ de xīn zhàopiàn. - Let me show you my new photos.) * 显示 (xiǎnshì) vs. 展示 (zhǎnshì): * 显示 (xiǎnshì) is often about presenting information. * 展示 (zhǎnshì) is more like “to exhibit” or “to showcase,” often in a public setting like an art gallery, a trade show, or a product demonstration. It implies a curated presentation. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * 表现 (biǎoxiàn) - To perform, behave, or express. Refers to behavior and performance, not objective data display. * 展示 (zhǎnshì) - To exhibit, showcase, put on display. More formal and public than 显示, often for art or products. * 表示 (biǎoshì) - To express, state, or indicate (an opinion, thanks, etc.). It's about communicating an idea, not visually displaying something. * 表明 (biǎomíng) - To make clear, to state clearly. Similar to 表示 but with a stronger sense of making one's position or the facts evident. * 出现 (chūxiàn) - To appear, to emerge. Describes something coming into view, while 显示 describes that thing presenting information. * 明显 (míngxiǎn) - Obvious, clear, evident. An adjective derived from the character 显. If a result is easy to see, it is 明显. * 显示器 (xiǎnshìqì) - Display screen, monitor. The direct noun form for a physical device that displays information. * 透露 (tòulù) - To disclose, to leak, to reveal (information, a secret). Implies revealing something that was previously hidden or confidential.