In 15 Seconds
- Action of completing a form.
- Used for paper and digital documents.
- Essential for applications and registrations.
- Common and practical daily phrase.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for any situation where you need to write down personal details on a document. Think of it as the official 'fill-in-the-blanks' action for anything from a visa application to a library card. It carries a sense of necessary procedure, like ticking boxes on a to-do list for bureaucracy.
Key Examples
3 of 11Texting a friend about a job application
我得赶紧`填表`，不然就来不及了！
I have to hurry and fill out the form, otherwise it'll be too late!
At the immigration counter
请您在这里`填表`，然后交给工作人员。
Please fill out the form here, then hand it to the staff.
Signing up for a new streaming service
注册需要`填表`吗？
Does registration require filling out a form?
Cultural Background
The phrase `填表` reflects China's long history of bureaucratic processes and record-keeping. From imperial exams to modern administrative procedures, filling out documents has been a consistent part of civic life. The existence of a specific, common phrase for this action highlights its frequency and importance in daily interactions with institutions. It's a practical term born from necessity in a society with structured systems.
The 'Fill' is Key!
Always use `填` (tián) with `表` (biǎo). Think of `填` as 'filling' a container or space, which is exactly what you do with a form. Using `写` (xiě - write) sounds like you're writing *on* the form, not completing it.
Don't Confuse with 'Writing'
A common beginner mistake is saying `写表` (xiě biǎo) instead of `填表` (tián biǎo). This can sound odd to native speakers, like saying 'write a form' instead of 'fill out a form'. Stick to `填表`!
In 15 Seconds
- Action of completing a form.
- Used for paper and digital documents.
- Essential for applications and registrations.
- Common and practical daily phrase.
What It Means
填表 (tián biǎo) is the standard way to say "to fill out a form" in Chinese. It's super common and you'll see it everywhere. It means putting your information onto a document. This could be a paper form or a digital one. It’s the action of completing the required fields. It’s like playing a game of 'fill in the blanks' for official stuff.
How To Use It
You use 填表 whenever you have a form to complete. The verb 填 means 'to fill' and 表 means 'form'. Together, they make a perfect pair. You don't need to change the words. Just use 填表 as is. You can say "I need to fill out this form" as "我需要填表" (wǒ xūyào tián biǎo). Or "Please fill out the form" is "请填表" (qǐng tián biǎo). It’s straightforward!
Real-Life Examples
- At the airport: You get a landing card. You need to
填表. - At the bank: Opening a new account requires you to
填表. - Online: Signing up for a new service often involves a digital
填表process. - At the doctor's office: Your first visit means a lot of
填表. - Applying for a visa: This is a big one for
填表!
When To Use It
Use 填表 for any official or semi-official document. This includes applications, registrations, surveys, and any document asking for your personal details. Think of anything that has lines or boxes for you to write in. If it’s a document that needs your information, you're probably going to 填表. It's the universal term for this task. Use it for paper or digital forms. It covers both scenarios perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 填表 for casual writing. You wouldn't 填表 when writing a letter to a friend. You also don't 填表 when you're just doodling in a notebook. It's not for creative writing projects. It’s specifically for structured documents. If there are no blanks to fill, then 填表 doesn't apply. It's not for filling a cup or filling a hole in the ground either. Stick to documents!
Common Mistakes
A common slip-up is using the wrong verb with 表. For example, saying 写表 (xiě biǎo) which means 'to write form'. While understandable, it's not the natural collocation. Another mistake is using a verb that means 'to complete' but not specifically 'filling'.
写表 (xiě biǎo)
✓填表 (tián biǎo)
完成表 (wánchéng biǎo)
✓填表 (tián biǎo)
The word 填 is specifically chosen because it means 'to fill' something that has space or volume. 表 has the space for you to fill.
Similar Expressions
填写(tiánxiě): This is very similar!填写is often used for more complex or detailed forms. It can sound slightly more formal.填表is more general. You can often use them interchangeably, but填表is more common for everyday forms.登记(dēngjì): This means 'to register' or 'to record'. You might登记your name and details, which involves填表. It focuses on the act of recording rather than just filling.申请(shēnqǐng): This means 'to apply'. Applying for something usually involves填表. So,申请is the goal, and填表is the action.
Common Variations
填写的表格(tiánxiě de biǎogé): This means 'the form that is filled out'. It uses the verb填写and adds表格(gé), another word for form, making it more specific.填个表(tián ge biǎo): Adding个(ge) makes it sound more casual, like "fill out *a* form". It implies one form among potentially many.填表格(tián biǎogé): Using表格instead of表.表格is a more formal or complete word for 'form'. Both表and表格work here.
Memory Trick
Imagine you have a Tea Bag (Tián Biǎo). You need to fill it with hot water before you can drink it. The tea bag is like the form! You fill the tea bag. So, 填表 = fill the tea bag (form).
Quick FAQ
Q. Is 填表 only for paper forms?
A. Not at all! It works for digital forms too. Think online applications or app sign-ups.
Q. Can I use 填写 instead of 填表?
A. Yes, often! 填写 can sound a bit more formal or detailed. 填表 is super common for everyday forms.
Q. What if the form is very long?
A. You'd still say you need to 填表. The phrase covers all lengths! It might just take longer.
Usage Notes
The phrase `填表` is a neutral collocation suitable for most situations involving forms. While generally not informal, avoid it in highly poetic or abstract contexts. The main pitfall for learners is using the wrong verb, like `写` (write) instead of `填` (fill). Always use `填` with `表` for completing forms.
The 'Fill' is Key!
Always use `填` (tián) with `表` (biǎo). Think of `填` as 'filling' a container or space, which is exactly what you do with a form. Using `写` (xiě - write) sounds like you're writing *on* the form, not completing it.
Don't Confuse with 'Writing'
A common beginner mistake is saying `写表` (xiě biǎo) instead of `填表` (tián biǎo). This can sound odd to native speakers, like saying 'write a form' instead of 'fill out a form'. Stick to `填表`!
Paper vs. Digital?
The beauty of `填表` is its versatility! It works perfectly for both physical paper forms and digital ones you see on screens. Context will usually make it clear which type of form you mean.
Bureaucracy's Best Friend
In China, like many places, dealing with officialdom often involves paperwork. `填表` is a fundamental skill for navigating these systems, from getting a driver's license to opening a bank account. It's a practical necessity!
Examples
11我得赶紧`填表`，不然就来不及了！
I have to hurry and fill out the form, otherwise it'll be too late!
Here, `填表` refers to the act of completing the job application form.
请您在这里`填表`，然后交给工作人员。
Please fill out the form here, then hand it to the staff.
This is a direct instruction to complete the immigration form.
注册需要`填表`吗？
Does registration require filling out a form?
Asking if the sign-up process involves completing a form.
落地第一件事就是`填表`，旅行模式开启！✈️
The first thing after landing is filling out forms, travel mode activated! ✈️
A casual, relatable post about the common travel task of filling out arrival forms.
您需要`填表`一份个人信息登记表。
You need to fill out a personal information registration form.
A professional instruction during an interview process.
✗ 我需要写一张申请表 → ✓ 我需要`填表`。
✗ I need to write an application form → ✓ I need to fill out the form.
Learners often translate 'fill out' too literally as 'write'. `填表` is the correct collocation.
又要`填表`，我的手都要写断了！
Have to fill out forms again, my hand is about to write itself off!
Exaggerated, humorous complaint about the amount of paperwork.
✗ 请你完成这个表格 → ✓ 请你`填表`。
✗ Please complete this form → ✓ Please fill out the form.
`完成` (complete) is too general. `填表` specifically means to fill in the blanks.
您好，入住需要`填表`吗？
Hello, do I need to fill out a form for check-in?
A polite inquiry about the check-in procedure.
这个问卷需要`填表`几分钟。
This questionnaire requires a few minutes to fill out.
Describing the time needed to complete an online survey.
终于轮到我`填表`了，希望一切顺利！
It's finally my turn to fill out the form, I hope everything goes smoothly!
Expressing hope and anticipation while completing an important application.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The phrase `填表` (tián biǎo) means 'to fill out a form' and is the correct collocation here. `填好` means 'filled well', which is a result, not the action itself. `写完` means 'finished writing', and `写表` is not the standard term.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase for 'to fill out a form'?
`填表` (tián biǎo) is the standard and correct collocation for 'to fill out a form'. The other options use incorrect verbs or are unnatural.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The verb `写` (xiě) means 'to write', but the correct verb to use with `表` (biǎo - form) for the action of completing it is `填` (tián - to fill). The standard phrase is `填表`.
Translate the sentence into Chinese.
The phrase `填表` (tián biǎo) directly translates to 'fill form'. Adding `这个注册表` (zhège zhùcè biǎo - this registration form) makes the sentence complete and natural.
Fill in the blank.
The context implies filling out a form. `填表` (tián biǎo) is the most appropriate phrase for this action. `写名字` is too specific, `登记` means 'register', and `写申请` is not a standard phrase.
Find and fix the error.
While `完成` (wánchéng - complete) is understandable, `填` (tián - fill) is the specific verb used with forms. The phrase `填表` is the correct collocation. You could also say `填写` (tiánxiě) for a more formal tone.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
The sentence structure is Subject + Verb Phrase + Object. `我` (I) + `需要` (need) + `一份` (one copy/a) + `填表` (to fill out a form). This implies filling out one form.
Translate the sentence into Chinese.
The phrase `填表` (tián biǎo) is used directly. The context 'for the visa application' is implied or can be added as `申请签证` (shēnqǐng qiānzhèng - apply for visa). The question becomes 'Apply for visa need fill form?' which is natural Chinese.
Choose the sentence that best fits the context.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say you need to fill out a lot of paperwork?
`填很多表` (tián hěn duō biǎo) is the most direct and common way to express filling out many forms. `写文件` is too general, `完成许多表格` is okay but less common than `填表`, and `登记很多信息` focuses on the information itself, not the act of filling the form.
Put the words in the correct order.
The correct order is 'Please' (`请`) + 'fill' (`填`) + 'form' (`表格`) + 'carefully' (`仔细`). However, a more natural word order would be `请仔细填表格` (qǐng zǐxì tián biǎogé). The provided order `请填表格仔细` is grammatically awkward, but `填表格` is a valid phrase. This exercise highlights word order nuances.
Match the Chinese phrase with its English meaning.
This exercise helps you distinguish `填表` (filling a form) from other common daily activities.
Choose the sentence that uses `填表` most appropriately.
Which situation best calls for the phrase `填表`?
Hotel check-in (`办理入住手续`) typically involves filling out a registration form, making `填表` the most appropriate choice. Options A, C, and D describe activities unrelated to filling out forms.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 填表
Rarely used in very casual chat unless joking about paperwork.
又要填表了，烦死！(Ugh, gotta fill out forms again, so annoying!)
Common in everyday requests and statements about needing to complete forms.
我得先填个表才能进去。
Standard usage in most situations, clear and direct.
请您填表。
Used in official instructions or professional settings.
请按照要求填表。
Where You'll Encounter 填表
Airport/Immigration
填写入境卡。
Bank
开户需要填表。
Hotel Check-in
办理入住填表。
Online Registration
注册网站填表。
Doctor's Office
初诊填医疗表。
Job Application
提交工作申请表。
填表 vs. Similar Phrases
Scenarios for 填表
Everyday Life
- • Hotel check-in
- • Library card application
- • Gym membership
Official Procedures
- • Visa application
- • Tax forms
- • Residency permits
Digital Forms
- • Online shopping checkout
- • App sign-ups
- • Website registration
Surveys & Feedback
- • Customer satisfaction surveys
- • Market research questionnaires
- • Event feedback forms
Practice Bank
12 exercises请把这个申请表 ______。
The phrase `填表` (tián biǎo) means 'to fill out a form' and is the correct collocation here. `填好` means 'filled well', which is a result, not the action itself. `写完` means 'finished writing', and `写表` is not the standard term.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase for 'to fill out a form'?
`填表` (tián biǎo) is the standard and correct collocation for 'to fill out a form'. The other options use incorrect verbs or are unnatural.
Find and fix the mistake:
我去银行需要写表格。
The verb `写` (xiě) means 'to write', but the correct verb to use with `表` (biǎo - form) for the action of completing it is `填` (tián - to fill). The standard phrase is `填表`.
Please fill out this registration form.
Hints: Use the phrase for 'fill out a form'., The word for 'form' is `表`.
The phrase `填表` (tián biǎo) directly translates to 'fill form'. Adding `这个注册表` (zhège zhùcè biǎo - this registration form) makes the sentence complete and natural.
您需要在这里 ______。
The context implies filling out a form. `填表` (tián biǎo) is the most appropriate phrase for this action. `写名字` is too specific, `登记` means 'register', and `写申请` is not a standard phrase.
Find and fix the mistake:
我需要完成一份问卷调查表。
While `完成` (wánchéng - complete) is understandable, `填` (tián - fill) is the specific verb used with forms. The phrase `填表` is the correct collocation. You could also say `填写` (tiánxiě) for a more formal tone.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The sentence structure is Subject + Verb Phrase + Object. `我` (I) + `需要` (need) + `一份` (one copy/a) + `填表` (to fill out a form). This implies filling out one form.
Is there a form I need to fill out for the visa application?
Hints: Consider the most common way to ask about filling forms., The structure might be simpler than a direct word-for-word translation.
The phrase `填表` (tián biǎo) is used directly. The context 'for the visa application' is implied or can be added as `申请签证` (shēnqǐng qiānzhèng - apply for visa). The question becomes 'Apply for visa need fill form?' which is natural Chinese.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say you need to fill out a lot of paperwork?
`填很多表` (tián hěn duō biǎo) is the most direct and common way to express filling out many forms. `写文件` is too general, `完成许多表格` is okay but less common than `填表`, and `登记很多信息` focuses on the information itself, not the act of filling the form.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The correct order is 'Please' (`请`) + 'fill' (`填`) + 'form' (`表格`) + 'carefully' (`仔细`). However, a more natural word order would be `请仔细填表格` (qǐng zǐxì tián biǎogé). The provided order `请填表格仔细` is grammatically awkward, but `填表格` is a valid phrase. This exercise highlights word order nuances.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This exercise helps you distinguish `填表` (filling a form) from other common daily activities.
Which situation best calls for the phrase `填表`?
Hotel check-in (`办理入住手续`) typically involves filling out a registration form, making `填表` the most appropriate choice. Options A, C, and D describe activities unrelated to filling out forms.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsLiterally, 填 (tián) means 'to fill' and 表 (biǎo) means 'form'. So, the direct translation is 'to fill form'. It perfectly captures the action of completing a document by providing the required information in its designated spaces.
Yes, 填表 is a general term that applies to almost any kind of form. Whether it's a simple registration card at a hotel, a complex visa application, or an online survey, you can use 填表 to describe the action of completing it.
Absolutely! While 表 historically referred to paper forms, 填表 is widely used for digital forms today. When you fill out information on a website or an app, you are also 填表.
You can use it as a verb phrase. For example, '我需要填表' (wǒ xūyào tián biǎo) means 'I need to fill out a form'. You can also use it in commands like '请填表' (qǐng tián biǎo), meaning 'Please fill out the form'.
You'll encounter situations requiring 填表 when you apply for things like jobs, visas, bank accounts, or memberships. It's also common for registrations, surveys, and any process where you need to provide personal details on a document.
It's appropriate anytime you are asked to provide information on a document that has specific fields or spaces to be filled. This covers a vast range of administrative, bureaucratic, and registration processes in daily life.
Yes, it can be used casually, especially when discussing necessary tasks. For instance, you might text a friend, '等下要去银行填表' (Děng xià yào qù yínháng tián biǎo - 'Going to the bank later to fill out a form'). It's a practical term.
填表 is generally considered neutral in formality. It's not overly formal like some technical terms, nor is it slang. You can comfortably use it in most everyday and semi-official contexts without sounding out of place.
It's best described as neutral. While you might hear it in formal settings like an immigration office, it's also perfectly fine in casual conversation when discussing tasks like signing up for a service. It's widely understood and accepted across different registers.
Yes, the most common alternative is 填写 (tiánxiě). 填写 can sometimes sound slightly more formal or emphasize the detailed nature of filling something out. 填表 is more general and frequently used.
填表 is the most common, general term. 填写 (tiánxiě) is also very common and often used interchangeably, but it can sometimes imply a more thorough or formal filling process, or be used with specific types of documents like 填写问卷 (fill out a questionnaire).
The phrase 填表 is standard across Mandarin-speaking regions. While vocabulary can vary slightly, 填表 is universally understood for the act of filling out a form.
A very common mistake is using the verb 写 (xiě - to write) instead of 填 (tián - to fill). So, learners might say 写表 (xiě biǎo), which sounds incorrect to native speakers. The correct collocation is always 填表.
Saying 写表 (xiě biǎo) instead of 填表 (tián biǎo) would sound unnatural and likely confuse the listener. It's like saying 'write form' instead of 'fill out form' in English. Native speakers understand the intent but recognize it as an error.
The phrase reflects the importance of documentation and administrative processes in Chinese society. It's a practical term that acknowledges the frequent need to interact with systems through written forms, whether physical or digital.
The existence of a dedicated phrase like 填表 highlights how common and essential the act of filling out forms is. It streamlines communication about this frequent bureaucratic task.
Yes, you can use 填表 for surveys, although 填写问卷 (tiánxiě wènjuàn - to fill out a questionnaire) is also very common and perhaps slightly more specific. 填表 is still perfectly acceptable.
填表 specifically refers to the action of filling out a form. 登记 (dēngjì) means 'to register' or 'to record'. Registering often involves filling out a form (填表), so they are related but distinct actions.
Yes, definitely. When you fill out any kind of online application, registration page, or form on a website or app, you are performing the action of 填表.
You can say '我需要填很多表' (wǒ xūyào tián hěn duō biǎo) - 'I need to fill out many forms'. You can also use the plural 表格 (biǎogé) like '我需要填很多表格' (wǒ xūyào tián hěn duō biǎogé).
Related Phrases
填写
synonymTo fill in; to fill out
Both `填表` and `填写` mean to fill something out, but `填写` is more general and can be used for more than just forms, often sounding slightly more formal.
表格
related topicForm; table
`表格` is the noun 'form' itself, which is the object that is acted upon by the verb phrase `填表`.
登记
related topicTo register; to record
Registering often involves filling out a form (`填表`), making `登记` a related action that frequently incorporates the use of `填表`.
写
antonymTo write
`写` (write) is the incorrect verb to use with 'form'; `填` (fill) is the correct verb, making `写` a common point of confusion and thus related as a potential error.
填写问卷
related topicTo fill out a questionnaire
This is a specific type of form-filling activity, closely related to `填表` but more specific to surveys and questionnaires.
录入
related topicTo enter (data)
`录入` refers to the digital act of data entry, often after information has been gathered from forms filled using `填表`.
