Usage of 显
The character 显 (xiǎn) primarily means 'clear' or 'evident.' It is often used to describe something that is obvious or clearly visible, whether it is a physical appearance, a fact, or an abstract concept like effort or emotion.
Common Contexts
- Describing something clearly visible or obvious: 显而易见 (xiǎn ér yì jiàn) means 'obvious' or 'evident.'
- Expressing that something appears or seems a certain way: 显得 (xiǎn de) is a common pattern meaning 'to appear' or 'to seem.'
- Revealing or showing something hidden: 显露 (xiǎn lù) means 'to reveal' or 'to show.'
Collocations and Patterns
- 显而易见: obviously clear, used to emphasize something is evident.
- 显得 + adjective: to appear or seem a certain way.
- 显露 + noun: to reveal or show something.
Nuances
When using 显, speakers imply that the subject is unmistakably clear or noticeable. It is more formal and precise than just saying '看得见' (can see). It often appears in written or formal spoken Chinese.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 显 with 现 (xiàn), which means 'present' or 'current.' They sound similar but have different meanings and characters.
Using 显 correctly helps learners express clarity and obviousness in various contexts, from describing visible facts to abstract impressions.