HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
表
biǎo
family relationship via females
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
表
biǎo
to show (one's opinion)
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
表
biǎo
a model
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
表
biǎo
a table (listing information)
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
表
biǎo
a form
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
表
biǎo
a meter (measuring sth)
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
表
biǎo
wrist or pocket watch
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
表
biǎo
to show, to express, to display; outside, appearance; a watch
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 衣, rank #1763, Medium
biǎo(biao3) T3
1exterior surface
2family relationship via females
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
表biǎo(biao3)
The character 表 (biǎo) has multiple meanings, primarily referring to the surface or exterior of an object. It is commonly used in contexts involving showing or expressing opinions, as well as in technical terms like tables or forms used in data presentation. Its versatility makes it essential in everyday conversation and formal documentation.
Strokes8Radical衣Frequency#1763DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 表 extends beyond physical appearances to encompass familial relationships, particularly through women. This reflects the importance of maternal ties in Chinese society, where women often play a significant role in family connections.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '表' (biǎo) as a watch showing the surface of time. The radical '衣' (clothing) at the top suggests something that covers or presents something, while the bottom part represents a table or a form that displays information. Think of wearing a watch that not only tells time but also shows your style!
Meanings of 表
biǎo(biao3)
1exterior surface
2family relationship via females
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 表
表Simplified
8Strokes
衣Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1763Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1BCT✓CEFRA1
Podcast: 表
Podcast: 表
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AI Study Notes for 表
Quick Contrast
表 (biǎo) vs 显示 (xiǎnshì) — use 表 for surfaces or forms, while 显示 focuses on the act of showing or displaying information.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 表 (biǎo) with other characters that sound similar, especially in terms of context and meaning. It is often used in formal settings, such as in reports or presentations, so ensure you use it appropriately. Common collocations include 表达 (biǎodá, to express) and 表格 (biǎogé, form/table).
HSK Study Tips
Though 表 (biǎo) is not specifically categorized under HSK levels, it is essential for HSK 3 and 4 learners due to its frequent occurrence in conversations and texts. Focus on its different meanings and usages, especially in expressions related to opinions and data.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 表 (biǎo) with the character 票 (piào, ticket), especially when speaking quickly. For example, saying '我需要一个票' (I need a表) instead of '我需要一个表' (I need a form). Remember, 表 specifically relates to showing or expressing something.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 表
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Depicts clothes (衣) made from fur (毛), typically the outermost layer of clothing. In simplified Chinese 表 is also used to mean "wristwatch", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 錶.
Depicts clothes (衣) made from fur (毛), typically the outermost layer of clothing. In simplified Chinese 表 is also used to mean "wristwatch", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 錶.
1The giveawayFur 毛 clothing 衣; a shawl or wrap
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 表? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 表?
Decomposition of 表
IDS Structure⿱毛衣
表Full Character
=
毛Mao2
top
衣yi1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 表?
How to say exterior surface in Chinese
“exterior surface” in Chinese is表biǎo
The character 表 (biǎo) has multiple meanings, primarily referring to the surface or exterior of an object. It is commonly used in contexts involving showing or expressing opinions, as well as in technical terms like tables or forms used in data presentation. Its versatility makes it essential in everyday conversation and formal documentation.
When to use 表
Be careful not to confuse 表 (biǎo) with other characters that sound similar, especially in terms of context and meaning. It is often used in formal settings, such as in reports or presentations, so ensure you use it appropriately. Common collocations include 表达 (biǎodá, to express) and 表格 (biǎogé, form/table).
表 or something close to it
表 (biǎo) vs 显示 (xiǎnshì) — use 表 for surfaces or forms, while 显示 focuses on the act of showing or displaying information.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 表 (biǎo) with the character 票 (piào, ticket), especially when speaking quickly. For example, saying '我需要一个票' (I need a表) instead of '我需要一个表' (I need a form). Remember, 表 specifically relates to showing or expressing something.
Write 表
表
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Practice writing 表 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 表
表 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
