表示

State (Formal Reporting Verb)

Level 5Sounds Like biu2 si6

表示 (biu2 si6) is the formal equivalent of the colloquial 話 (waa6). It is used to officially state opinions, express abstract feelings like gratitude, or indicate a specific meaning or sign.

How It Works

表示 (biu2 si6) serves five primary functions in Cantonese:

1. Formal Reporting: It introduces a statement or stance, often used by spokespeople or in news reports.
Example: The government stated that...

2. Expressing Abstract Nouns: It is the standard verb for 'showing' or 'expressing' feelings such as 感謝 (gam2 ze6 - gratitude), 遺憾 (wai4 ham6 - regret), or 歉意 (hip3 ji3 - apology).

3. Indicating/Signifying: It can describe an action that serves as a sign for something else. This includes definitional usage, such as asking '呢個字表示乜嘢？' (What does this word signify?).

4. Noun Usage (Token/Gesture): In everyday speech, it refers to a physical token of appreciation, like a gift or a tip. You will often hear the phrase 有啲表示 (jau5 di1 biu2 si6 - 'to have some gesture').

5. 表示 vs. 表達 (biu2 daat6): While 表示 is for stating a stance or a sign, 表達 is used for expressing complex internal thoughts, emotions, or ideas (e.g., 表達意見 biu2 daat6 ji3 gin3).

Register Note: Because the verb form is a high-level formal term, it often avoids colloquial aspect markers like 咗 (zo2) or 緊 (gan2) in formal news reporting. However, these markers may appear in explanatory or semi-formal Cantonese to clarify timing. In strictly formal contexts, completion is usually understood through context or by using formal markers like 已 (ji5), while 將會 (zoeng1 wui5) is used for the future.

Examples (5)

  1. 發言人表示會盡快跟進呢件事。

    The spokesperson stated that they would follow up on this matter as soon as possible.

    Word by Word: Spokesperson state will as-soon-as-possible follow-up this matter.

    Here, 表示 (biu2 si6) is used as a formal reporting verb followed by a clause.

  2. 我對呢次意外表示深切遺憾。

    I express deep regret regarding this accident.

    Word by Word: I toward this accident express deep regret.

    In this context, 表示 (biu2 si6) is used to express an abstract feeling (regret).

  3. 佢點點頭表示同意。

    He nodded to indicate agreement.

    Word by Word: He nod-nod head indicate agreement.

    Here, 表示 (biu2 si6) functions as 'to indicate' or 'to signify' an intention.

  4. 幫咗你咁大忙，你點都要有啲表示㗎。

    After helping you so much, you really should give some kind of token of appreciation.

    Word by Word: Help-finish you so big help, you anyway must have some gesture [particle].

    In colloquial Cantonese, 表示 (biu2 si6) is frequently used as a noun meaning a 'gesture' or 'token' (often a gift or money) to show gratitude.

  5. 校方表示唔排除會採取法律行動。

    The school stated that they do not rule out taking legal action.

    Word by Word: School-side state not exclude will take legal action.

    This demonstrates the use of 表示 (biu2 si6) in an official institutional statement.

Common Mistakes

  • Using '表示' in casual, daily conversation.

    Different Meaning我媽咪表示佢煮好飯喇。
    我媽咪話佢煮好飯喇。

    Using 表示 (biu2 si6) with family or friends sounds unnaturally stiff and 'robotic'. Use 話 (waa6) for everyday speech.

How It Connects

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表示Level 5State (Formal Reporting Verb)

Learn This First

The pattern '表示' (biu2 si6) functions as a formal reporting verb, similar to 'to state' or 'to express' in English. It is primarily used in news, formal announcements, and written contexts to replace the everyday verb '話' (waa2). To use it correctly, learners need to be comfortable with reporting clauses and the shift from colloquial to formal Cantonese registers.

Words in This Pattern