示 (shì) - To show & to indicate

示Tone 4

shì ｜ 5 strokes ｜ radical: 示

上姝

示 · shì

To show;

to indicate;

to demonstrate;

to manifest;

to notify;

to instruct;

originally depicting an altar for sacrifices, hence related to divine revelation.

To showto indicateto demonstrate

Usage highlights

To indicateTo demonstrateWarningNoticeTo displayTo show

Synonyms

  • 显示— to display; to show
  • 表明— to indicate; to demonstrate
  • 展示— to exhibit; to showcase

Antonyms

  • 隐藏— to hide; to conceal
  • 掩盖— to cover up; to conceal

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please show me the way (指示).
  • The teacher demonstrated the experiment (示范).
  • This is a warning (警示).
  • The notice is posted on the board (告示).

Collocations

  • To indicate(指示)
  • To demonstrate(示范)
  • Warning(警示)
  • Notice(告示)
  • To display(显示)
  • To show(表示)

Idioms

  • To show off one's slight skill before an expert(班门弄斧)
  • To reveal one's true colors(原形毕露)
  • To make an example of someone(杀鸡儆猴)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a sacrificial altar, representing communication with deities.
  • Evolved to mean 'to show' or 'to indicate', reflecting the idea of divine revelation becoming visible instruction.
  • As a radical (礻), it appears in many characters related to rituals, spirituality, and blessings.

FAQ