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B1 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

图表

tubiao Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 图表 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 图表 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '图表' (túbiǎo) very often, but you might see it in your textbook. It simply means 'chart.' Think of it like a picture that has numbers on it. In beginner Chinese, you might say '这是图表' (Zhè shì túbiǎo) which means 'This is a chart.' You can use it to point at things in your book. It is a noun, so it acts like any other object. At this stage, focus on recognizing the characters: '图' looks like a picture in a frame, and '表' is a common character for tables or lists. You might hear a teacher say '看图表' (Kàn túbiǎo), which means 'Look at the chart.' This is a helpful command to know during lessons. Don't worry about making complex charts yet; just know that when you see a graph with lines or bars, the name for it is '图表.' It is a very useful word because it helps you understand what the teacher is pointing to. Even at A1, knowing the measure word '张' (zhāng) is good, so you can say '一张图表' (yī zhāng túbiǎo). This word is the foundation for later learning about how to describe data and give presentations in Chinese. It's a professional-sounding word that makes you look like a serious student even if your grammar is still simple.

At the A2 level, you can start using '图表' (túbiǎo) in simple sentences to describe your work or studies. You might say '这张图表很大' (This chart is very big) or '我喜欢这张图表' (I like this chart). You are beginning to use adjectives to describe the things you see. You might also pair it with simple verbs like '画' (huà - to draw). For example, '我在画图表' (I am drawing a chart). This level is about building confidence with the word in basic contexts. You might notice '图表' in weather forecasts on Chinese TV, showing the temperature for the week. Recognizing the word in these real-world situations is a great milestone. You should also start to distinguish '图表' from '图片' (túpiàn - picture). Remember that '图表' is for information and data, while '图片' is for photos of people or places. If you are taking a simple Chinese test, you might be asked to '看图表回答问题' (look at the chart and answer the questions). This is a very common instruction. By the end of A2, you should be able to identify a '图表' and use one or two simple sentences to talk about what it is or who made it. It's an important part of expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'home' and 'food' and into 'school' and 'office' topics.

At the B1 level, '图表' (túbiǎo) becomes a core part of your vocabulary, especially for the HSK 3 and 4 exams. You should be able to use it to describe trends and give basic reports. Instead of just saying 'This is a chart,' you can now say '根据这张图表，我们可以看到...' (According to this chart, we can see...). This structure is essential for intermediate communication. You will use verbs like '显示' (xiǎnshì - to show) and '反映' (fǎnyìng - to reflect). For example, '图表显示了去年的销售额' (The chart shows last year's sales volume). You are also expected to know the difference between '图表' and '表格' (biǎogé - table/spreadsheet). At B1, you might be asked to compare two different '图表' in a speaking exercise. You should be able to say which one is clearer or which one has more information. This is also the level where you start learning more specific types of charts, like '饼状图' (pie chart) or '柱状图' (bar graph), and you can use '图表' as the general term to introduce them. In professional emails, you might write '附件中有一张图表' (There is a chart in the attachment). This shows you can handle basic business Chinese. You should also be comfortable using the measure word '张' correctly every time. Mastering '图表' at this level allows you to participate in meetings and understand academic lectures much more effectively.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '图表' (túbiǎo) with precision in complex discussions. You should be able to analyze the data within a '图表' and use it to support an argument. For instance, '图表中的数据有力地证明了我们的假设' (The data in the chart strongly proves our hypothesis). You will use sophisticated verbs like '制作' (zhìzuò - to produce), '引用' (yǐnyòng - to cite), and '分析' (fēnxī - to analyze). You should also be able to describe the quality of the chart using words like '直观' (zhíguān - intuitive) or '详尽' (xiángjìn - detailed). At this level, you might encounter '图表' in news editorials or economic reports where the language is more formal. You should be able to summarize the main points of a '图表' in a paragraph, using transition words like '首先' (firstly), '其次' (secondly), and '总之' (in conclusion). In writing tasks, you will often be asked to '对图表进行描述和分析' (describe and analyze the chart). This requires not just knowing the word but also the vocabulary of change: '剧增' (dramatic increase), '波动' (fluctuation), and '持平' (remain steady). You are also becoming aware of the cultural context—how '图表' are used in Chinese business culture to show thoroughness and professionalism. Being able to discuss a '图表' fluently is a sign that you have reached a solid upper-intermediate level and are ready for more specialized Chinese environments.

At the C1 level, your use of '图表' (túbiǎo) should be natural and nuanced. You are not just describing what is in the chart, but interpreting the implications of the data. You might use the word in phrases like '图表背后隐藏的信息' (the information hidden behind the chart) or '图表呈现的多维数据' (the multidimensional data presented by the chart). You are comfortable using '图表' in high-level academic writing and professional presentations. You can critique a '图表,' perhaps noting that it is '误导性的' (misleading) or that its '样本量' (sample size) is too small. You should be able to seamlessly switch between the general term '图表' and more specific technical terms like '散点图' (scatter plot) or '雷达图' (radar chart). Your vocabulary allows you to describe the visual aesthetics and the logical structure of the '图表' simultaneously. For example, '这张图表通过鲜明的色彩对比，突出了核心数据的差异' (This chart highlights the differences in core data through sharp color contrast). At C1, you are likely reading professional journals or financial news in Chinese where '图表' are used to explain global trends. You should be able to participate in a debate where '图表' are used as evidence, and you can point out flaws in an opponent's '图表.' This level of mastery means the word '图表' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' you have to think about, but a tool you use effortlessly to communicate complex ideas.

At the C2 level, '图表' (túbiǎo) is a word you use with the same ease as a native speaker, often in highly specialized or creative ways. You might use it metaphorically or in complex philosophical discussions about the representation of reality. For example, you might discuss how a '图表' can never fully capture the complexity of human experience, using phrases like '图表化' (to turn into a chart/to simplify into data). In a professional context, you are likely the one designing the '图表' strategy for a large organization or publishing research that relies on sophisticated '图表' to convey groundbreaking findings. You understand the historical evolution of '图表' in Chinese documentation, from ancient maps to modern digital dashboards. Your language is precise; you might use '图表' in the context of '信息可视化设计' (information visualization design) and discuss the '交互性' (interactivity) of modern digital '图表.' You are also sensitive to the rhetorical power of a '图表'—how it can be used to persuade, influence public opinion, or simplify a narrative. At this level, you can translate complex technical manuals about '图表' software from English to Chinese with perfect accuracy. You are essentially a master of the 'visual language' of Chinese, and '图表' is just one of the many instruments in your linguistic orchestra. You might even use the word in literary contexts to describe the 'structured' or 'plotted' nature of a story. Your command of the word is absolute, covering all registers from the most casual workplace banter to the most rigorous scientific discourse.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

图表 in 30 Seconds

图表 (túbiǎo) means chart or graph, used for visual data representation.
It is a compound of 'picture' and 'table', common in professional settings.
Use the measure word '张' (zhāng) when counting charts in Chinese.
It is essential for describing trends in academic or business reports.

The Chinese word 图表 (túbiǎo) is a versatile noun that translates to 'chart,' 'graph,' or 'diagram.' It is a compound word consisting of two characters: 图 (tú), meaning picture or map, and 表 (biǎo), which refers to a table, list, or surface. When combined, they describe any visual tool used to organize and present complex data in a simplified, readable format. In modern Chinese society, this word is ubiquitous in professional, academic, and media contexts. Whether you are looking at a stock market trend, a scientific research paper, or a business presentation, you will encounter 图表 as the primary term for these visual aids. It bridges the gap between raw numbers and visual intuition, making it an essential term for anyone reaching an intermediate level of Chinese proficiency.

Business Context: In a corporate setting, 图表 is used to discuss sales performance, market share, and growth projections. Managers might say, '请看这张图表' (Please look at this chart) to draw attention to specific milestones or areas of concern. It implies a level of professionalism and data-driven decision-making.
Academic Context: Students and researchers use 图表 to illustrate experimental results. In HSK exams or university essays, describing a 图表 is a common task, requiring specific vocabulary to explain trends like '上升' (rising) or '下降' (falling).
Everyday Media: News reports frequently use 图表 to explain weather patterns, economic shifts, or public health statistics. It is the go-to word for any graphic that isn't just a photograph but a structured representation of information.

这张图表清晰地展示了过去五年的利润增长趋势，让我们对未来充满信心。

The term is broader than specific types of graphs. While a pie chart is specifically a 饼状图 (bǐngzhuàngtú) and a bar graph is a 柱状图 (zhùzhuàngtú), 图表 serves as the umbrella term for all of them. Using this word correctly shows that you understand the formal way to categorize visual information. It is rarely used in very casual conversation unless the topic is specifically about work or study. For instance, you wouldn't use 图表 to describe a drawing or a painting; for those, you would use 画 (huà) or 图片 (túpiàn). Understanding this distinction is key to sounding natural in Chinese.

Furthermore, the word reflects the Chinese emphasis on clarity and structure. In a culture that values efficiency in communication (especially in the high-tech hubs of Shanghai and Shenzhen), being able to '看图说话' (speak based on a picture/chart) is a highly valued skill. Therefore, mastering the word 图表 and its associated verbs is not just about vocabulary; it is about participating in the modern Chinese professional discourse. You will hear it in every PowerPoint presentation and see it in every textbook. It is the visual language of the information age in China.

通过分析这些图表，我们可以发现消费者行为的显著变化。

Using 图表 effectively requires pairing it with specific verbs and adjectives that describe data visualization. The most common verb used with 图表 is 显示 (xiǎnshì), meaning 'to show' or 'to display.' For example, '图表显示了人口的变化' (The chart shows the change in population). Another crucial verb is 分析 (fēnxī), meaning 'to analyze.' When you are working with data, you are often '分析图表' to find insights. This is a very common phrase in both business and scientific writing.

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 制作 (zhìzuò): To create or make a chart. Example: 我需要制作一个图表来汇报工作。
2. 引用 (yǐnyòng): To cite or refer to a chart. Example: 作者在文中引用了多张图表。
3. 解释 (jiěshì): To explain a chart. Example: 请为我们解释一下这张图表的数据。

根据这份图表，我们可以预测明年的市场需求。

Adjectives also play a significant role. You might describe a 图表 as 清晰的 (qīngxī de) meaning 'clear,' 复杂的 (fùzá de) meaning 'complex,' or 直观的 (zhíguān de) meaning 'intuitive.' A '直观的图表' is one that is very easy to understand at a glance, which is the goal of most data visualization. In contrast, a '误导性的图表' (misleading chart) is something to be avoided in academic integrity. When constructing sentences, remember the word order: Subject + Verb + (Measure Word) + 图表. For instance, '他正在看那张图表' (He is looking at that chart).

In more advanced usage, 图表 can be the subject of a sentence that performs an action. For example, '图表反映了事实' (The chart reflects the facts). Here, the chart is personified as an entity that conveys truth. This level of usage is common in journalism and editorial pieces. If you want to compare two things, you might say '这张图表和那张图表有所不同' (This chart and that chart have some differences). This structure is essential for the HSK 5 and 6 writing sections where data comparison is a frequent topic.

这些图表为我们的研究提供了有力的证据。

The environment in which you hear 图表 is almost always professional or educational. In a Chinese office, during a weekly '周会' (weekly meeting), a colleague might share their screen and say, '大家看这张图表，这是我们上周的流量情况' (Everyone look at this chart, this is our traffic situation from last week). It is the language of reporting and accountability. In this context, 图表 is synonymous with progress and results.

The Newsroom: On CCTV or other news channels, anchors use 图表 to break down complex social issues. During the '两会' (Two Sessions), the annual parliamentary meetings in China, 图表 are used extensively on television to show the government's budget and economic targets to the public.
The Classroom: From primary school to PhD programs, teachers use 图表 to explain concepts. A math teacher might say, '请在练习本上画出一个图表' (Please draw a chart in your exercise book). It is one of the first formal academic words Chinese children learn.

新闻报道中经常使用图表来对比不同国家的发展速度。

You will also hear it in technical support or software tutorials. If you are using a Chinese version of Excel or PowerPoint, the 'Insert Chart' button is labeled as 插入图表 (Chārù túbiǎo). Therefore, if you are working in a tech-related field in China, this word will be part of your daily software vocabulary. It is also common in the world of finance; stock traders and analysts are constantly '盯着图表' (staring at charts) to catch the next market move. In these high-pressure environments, the word is spoken quickly and with a focus on the data it represents.

Finally, in the age of big data and '数据可视化' (data visualization), the word 图表 has gained even more prominence. You might hear it in podcasts discussing the latest trends in AI or economics. It represents a modern, scientific approach to understanding the world. When you hear 图表, think of it as the visual evidence that backs up a claim. It is the language of 'facts and figures' that transcends simple conversation and enters the realm of objective analysis.

在这次演讲中，教授利用大量的图表解释了全球气候变暖的严峻性。

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 图表 (túbiǎo) with 表格 (biǎogé). While they are related, they are not the same. A 表格 is a 'table' or 'grid' consisting of rows and columns of text or numbers (like an Excel sheet). A 图表 is a 'chart' or 'graph' which is a visual representation (like a bar chart or line graph). If you tell your boss you made a 图表 when you actually just filled out a spreadsheet, they might be confused when they don't see any graphics.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '图片' (túpiàn): Learners often use 图片 (picture/photo) to refer to a chart. While a chart is technically a picture, in Chinese, 图片 refers to photographs or general illustrations. Using 图表 specifically signals that the image contains data or analytical information.
Mistake 2: Wrong Measure Word: Using '一个' (yī gè) instead of '一张' (yī zhāng). While '一个' is the generic measure word and will be understood, '一张' is the correct and more professional way to count charts.

错误：我画了一个表格来显示气温变化。(Incorrect: I drew a table to show temperature changes - usually requires a graph/chart).

Another error is related to the verb choice. Some learners use 写 (xiě - write) for a chart. In Chinese, you don't 'write' a chart; you 画 (huà - draw), 做 (zuò - make), or 制作 (zhìzuò - produce/create) it. Using '写' makes it sound like you are just writing down the words rather than creating the visual element. Additionally, be careful with the word 表 (biǎo) on its own. While it can mean 'table' in some compounds, on its own it often means 'watch' (as in wrist watch) or 'meter.' Always use the full word 图表 to avoid ambiguity.

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation. The second tone 'tú' and third tone 'biǎo' can be tricky. If you mispronounce 'biǎo' as a fourth tone, it might sound like 图报 (túbào) which means 'to seek repayment/revenge.' Clear tones are essential in a professional setting where 图表 is most likely to be used. Practice the dip in the third tone for 'biǎo' to ensure your listeners understand you are talking about data visualization and not something else entirely.

正确：请帮我制作一张反映销量的图表。

While 图表 is the general term, Chinese has many specific words for different types of charts. Learning these will make your descriptions much more precise. For example, if you are looking at a line graph that shows trends over time, you should use 曲线图 (qūxiàntú). If you are looking at a bar chart that compares different categories, use 柱状图 (zhùzhuàngtú). These specific terms are very common in business reports.

Specific Chart Types: 1. 饼状图 (bǐngzhuàngtú): Pie chart (literally 'cake-shaped chart'). Used for showing percentages.
2. 示意图 (shìyìtú): Schematic diagram. Used for showing how something works rather than data.
3. 流程图 (liúchéngtú): Flowchart. Used for showing processes or steps.

与其用文字说明，不如用一张饼状图来展示市场份额。

Another related word is 图像 (túxiàng), which refers to an 'image' or 'graphic' in a more digital or technical sense (like pixels on a screen). 插图 (chātú) refers to 'illustrations' or 'figures' found in a book. While a 图表 can be an 插图, not all 插图 are 图表. For instance, a drawing of a character in a novel is an 插图, but it is definitely not a 图表. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the specific visual you are describing.

In very formal academic contexts, you might see the word 图录 (túlù), which refers to a 'catalog of illustrations' or a 'list of figures.' However, for 99% of situations, 图表 is the most useful and widely understood term. If you find yourself stuck, always default to 图表; it is never 'wrong' to call a graph a 图表, even if there is a more specific word available. It is the safe, professional choice that works in almost any situation involving data and visuals.

这份报告包含了各种图表，包括柱状图和折线图。

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, '图' was often associated with secret military maps, while '表' was used for memorials submitted to the Emperor. Today, they are combined for the most mundane office tasks!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tuː bjaʊ/

US /tu bjaʊ/

The stress is slightly more on the second syllable 'biǎo'.

Rhymes With

手表 (shǒubiǎo) 外表 (wàibiǎo) 代表 (dàibiǎo) 发表 (fābiǎo) 仪表 (yíbiǎo) 列表 (lièbiǎo) 地表 (dìbiǎo) 电表 (diànbiǎo)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tu' as 'tyu' (like the French 'u').
Failing to dip the third tone in 'biǎo', making it sound like 'biào' (4th tone).
Pronouncing 'biao' as two distinct syllables 'bee-ow' instead of a single glide.
Confusing the second tone of 'tú' with the first tone 'tū'.
Mumbling the 'ao' ending of 'biao' so it sounds like 'bie'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common but '表' has many meanings.

Writing 4/5

Writing '表' requires correct stroke order for the bottom part.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you know basic tones.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with '手表' if context is missing.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

图片数字显示画表格

Learn Next

趋势比例百分比分析数据

Advanced

宏观经济可视化回归分析统计学模型

Grammar to Know

Measure Word '张'

我需要三张图表。

Using '根据' (According to)

根据图表，我们需要改变计划。

Resultative Complements with '画'

图表画好了吗？

Directional Complements with '显示'

图表显示出来了。

The '是...的' structure for emphasis

这张图表是我制作的。

Examples by Level

这是一张图表。

This is a chart.

Simple Subject + Verb + Noun structure.

图表上有数字。

There are numbers on the chart.

Using '上' (shàng) to indicate location on a surface.

你看这张图表。

You look at this chart.

Imperative sentence with '看' (kàn).

图表很漂亮。

The chart is very pretty.

Subject + Adverb + Adjective.

老师有图表。

The teacher has a chart.

Simple possession with '有' (yǒu).

图表在这里。

The chart is here.

Indicating location with '在这里' (zài zhèlǐ).

我不喜欢这个图表。

I don't like this chart.

Negative sentence with '不' (bù).

图表是蓝色的。

The chart is blue.

Describing color using '是...的' (shì...de).

请给我一张图表。

Please give me a chart.

Polite request with '请' (qǐng).

这张图表很有用。

This chart is very useful.

Using the adjective '有用' (yǒuyòng).

他在画一张图表。

He is drawing a chart.

Present continuous with '在' (zài).

书里有很多图表。

There are many charts in the book.

Existential sentence with '有' (yǒu) and '很多' (hěnduō).

这张图表显示了天气。

This chart shows the weather.

Using the verb '显示' (xiǎnshì).

我们明天看图表。

We will look at the chart tomorrow.

Time expression '明天' (míngtiān) at the beginning.

你会做图表吗？

Can you make a chart?

Question with '会...吗' (huì...ma) indicating ability.

这张图表不清楚。

This chart is not clear.

Negative adjective '不清楚' (bù qīngxǔ).

根据图表，销量增加了。

According to the chart, sales have increased.

Using the preposition '根据' (gēnjù) to mean 'according to'.

这张图表反映了人口的变化。

This chart reflects the change in population.

Using the formal verb '反映' (fǎnyìng).

我需要制作一张精美的图表。

I need to create an exquisite chart.

Using the verb '制作' (zhìzuò) and adjective '精美' (jīngměi).

请在报告中加入图表。

Please add charts to the report.

Using '在...中' (zài...zhōng) to indicate 'inside'.

图表中的数据非常准确。

The data in the chart is very accurate.

Using '中的' (zhōng de) as a possessive modifier.

我们可以通过图表进行比较。

We can compare through the chart.

Using '通过' (tōngguò) to mean 'via' or 'through'.

这张图表让我很困惑。

This chart makes me very confused.

Causative structure with '让' (ràng).

他在会议上解释了图表。

He explained the chart at the meeting.

Location '在会议上' (zài huìyì shàng) before the verb.

这张图表清晰地展示了市场趋势。

This chart clearly displays market trends.

Using the adverbial '清晰地' (qīngxī de).

我们需要分析图表背后的原因。

We need to analyze the reasons behind the chart.

Abstract usage of '背后' (bèihòu).

图表显示，利润在第三季度大幅下滑。

The chart shows that profits plummeted in the third quarter.

Using '大幅' (dàfú) to describe a significant change.

引用这些图表可以增强说服力。

Citing these charts can enhance persuasiveness.

Gerund-like usage of '引用' (yǐnyòng) as a subject.

虽然图表很简单，但信息量很大。

Although the chart is simple, it contains a lot of information.

Conjunction pair '虽然...但...' (suīrán...dàn...).

请确保图表中的所有标注都是正确的。

Please ensure all labels in the chart are correct.

Using '确保' (quèbǎo) to mean 'ensure'.

这张图表是基于最新的调查结果制作的。

This chart is produced based on the latest survey results.

Passive-like structure '是基于...制作的'.

通过这些图表，我们可以直观地看到差异。

Through these charts, we can intuitively see the differences.

Using the adjective '直观' (zhíguān) as an adverb.

图表所呈现的趋势引发了广泛的讨论。

The trends presented by the chart triggered widespread discussion.

Using '所' (suǒ) to create a relative clause.

这张图表有效地整合了多维度的复杂数据。

This chart effectively integrates multi-dimensional complex data.

Using '整合' (zhěnghé) for 'integrate'.

如果不仔细看，很难发现图表中的细微差别。

Without looking closely, it's hard to spot the subtle differences in the chart.

Conditional '如果...就/很...' structure.

该图表的局限性在于样本量不足。

The limitation of this chart lies in the insufficient sample size.

Formal structure '局限性在于...' (The limitation lies in...).

图表的视觉设计应当服务于数据的准确传达。

The visual design of a chart should serve the accurate communication of data.

Using '应当' (yīngdāng) for formal obligation.

作者利用图表揭示了社会不平等的现状。

The author used charts to reveal the current state of social inequality.

Using '揭示' (jiēshì) for 'reveal' or 'unveil'.

这张图表是对宏观经济状况的直观诠释。

This chart is an intuitive interpretation of the macroeconomic situation.

Using the formal word '诠释' (quánshì) for 'interpretation'.

图表中的异常值需要我们进一步核实。

The outliers in the chart require further verification from us.

Using technical term '异常值' (yìchángzhí) for 'outlier'.

图表不仅是数据的载体，更是叙事的工具。

Charts are not just carriers of data, but tools for storytelling.

Using '不仅是...更是...' for emphasis.

我们要警惕那些通过操纵图表尺度来误导读者的行为。

We must be wary of behaviors that mislead readers by manipulating chart scales.

Complex sentence with nested clauses and '警惕' (jǐngtì).

这张图表以其严谨的逻辑和优美的设计著称。

This chart is renowned for its rigorous logic and beautiful design.

Using '以其...著称' (renowned for its...).

在信息爆炸的时代，图表化表达显得尤为重要。

In the era of information explosion, chart-based expression appears particularly important.

Using '尤为' (yóuwéi) as a formal 'especially'.

图表中所蕴含的深层逻辑往往被表象所掩盖。

The deep logic contained in the chart is often obscured by appearances.

Passive structure with '被...所掩盖'.

该图表对复杂系统动态演化的刻画可谓入木三分。

The chart's depiction of the dynamic evolution of complex systems is truly profound.

Using the idiom '入木三分' (rùmù sānfēn) to mean 'profound/incisive'.

通过对历史图表的纵向对比，我们可以洞察社会变迁。

Through a longitudinal comparison of historical charts, we can gain insight into social changes.

Using '洞察' (dòngchá) for 'insight'.

这张图表的交互功能极大地丰富了用户的数据探索体验。

The interactive functions of this chart have greatly enriched the user's data exploration experience.

Using '极大地' (jídàde) to mean 'greatly'.

Synonyms

图像表格图示示意图插图

Antonyms

文字文本

Common Collocations

制作图表

分析图表

引用图表

显示图表

清晰的图表

复杂的图表

动态图表

比较图表

更新图表

打印图表

Common Phrases

看图说话

— To speak based on a picture or chart; to tell a story from visuals.

考试时有一道题是看图说话。

一图抵千言

— A picture is worth a thousand words.

在这个报告中，一图抵千言。

数据图表

— Data charts; visuals used to represent statistics.

数据图表让报告更专业。

各种图表

— Various kinds of charts.

他展示了各种图表来解释问题。

插入图表

— Insert a chart (common software command).

在Word中点击插入图表。

图表工具

— Chart tools (in software).

学会使用图表工具很重要。

图表标题

— The title of a chart.

别忘了给你的图表写个标题。

图表标注

— Annotations or labels on a chart.

图表标注可以帮助理解。

图表分析师

— A chart analyst (often in finance).

他是一名资深的图表分析师。

图表库

— A library or collection of charts.

软件里有一个很大的图表库。

Often Confused With

图表 vs 表格

A grid of data (Excel style) vs. a visual graph.

图表 vs 图片

General images or photos vs. data-driven charts.

图表 vs 地图

Geographical maps vs. abstract data charts.

Idioms & Expressions

"按图索骥"

— To look for a steed according to a picture; to follow clues mechanically.

我们不能只是按图索骥，要根据实际情况调整。

Literary/Common

"胸有成竹"

— To have a perfect image of a bamboo in one's mind; to have a well-thought-out plan.

他在制作图表前已经胸有成竹了。

Common

"一目了然"

— To see everything at a glance; very clear.

这张图表让数据一目了然。

Common

"开门见山"

— To see the mountain as soon as the door opens; to get straight to the point.

这张图表开门见山地指出了问题。

Common

"画龙点睛"

— To add the finishing touch (the pupil to the dragon).

这张图表是整个报告的画龙点睛之笔。

Literary

"循序渐进"

— To follow in order and advance step by step.

图表展示了循序渐进的过程。

Common

"千言万语"

— Thousands of words.

一张图表胜过千言万语。

Common

"实事求是"

— To seek truth from facts.

制作图表必须坚持实事求是的原则。

Formal/Political

"博采众长"

— To draw on the strengths of many.

这个图表博采众长，设计得非常好。

Formal

"名不虚传"

— To have a well-deserved reputation.

这张精美的图表果然名不虚传。

Common

Easily Confused

图表 vs 图画

Both start with '图'.

图画 is a drawing or painting for art, not data.

墙上挂着一幅漂亮的图画。

图表 vs 表扬

Both have '表'.

表扬 is a verb meaning 'to praise'.

老师表扬了他。

图表 vs 图表

N/A

This is the target word.

请看图表。

图表 vs 表现

Has '表'.

表现 means 'performance' or 'to show behavior'.

他在学校表现很好。

图表 vs 图形

Similar meaning.

图形 is more about geometric shapes or computer graphics.

正方形是一个基本的图形。

Sentence Patterns

这是[Noun]。

这是图表。

[Subject]在[Verb]图表。

他在画图表。

根据图表，[Clause]。

根据图表，天气变冷了。

图表清晰地展示了[Noun]。

图表清晰地展示了利润。

图表所反映的[Noun]值得关注。

图表所反映的问题值得关注。

图表不仅[Verb]，还[Verb]。

图表不仅展示了数据，还揭示了规律。

这张图表和那张不同。

这张图表和那张图表的数据不同。

通过图表，我们可以发现...。

通过图表，我们可以发现销售规律。

Word Family

Nouns

图纸 (túzhǐ - blueprint)

表情 (biǎoqíng - expression)

表格 (biǎogé - table)

Verbs

绘图 (huìtú - to draw)

表达 (biǎodá - to express)

表现 (biǎoxiàn - to show)

Adjectives

图标化 (túbiǎohuà - diagrammatic)

表面化 (biǎomiànhuà - superficial)

统计 (tǒngjì)

数据 (shùjù)

趋势 (qūshì)

比例 (bǐlì)

分析 (fēnxī)

How to Use It

frequency

High in professional and academic settings.

Common Mistakes

Using '写图表' → 制作图表
You don't write a chart; you create or draw it.
Confusing 图表 with 表格 → 根据上下文选择
Use 图表 for visuals and 表格 for text grids.
Using '个' as the measure word → 张
'张' is the standard measure word for flat objects like charts.
Mispronouncing 'biǎo' as 'biào' → biǎo (3rd tone)
The dipping tone is crucial to distinguish it from other words.
Saying '这张图表是很有用' → 这张图表很有用
Don't use '是' before an adjective in this structure.

Tips

The Picture Table

Remember 图 = Picture and 表 = Table. A chart is just a picture of a table!

Measure Word Magic

Always use '张' (zhāng) for flat things like charts.

Professionalism

In China, including a 图表 in your report shows you are diligent and data-driven.

Be Specific

Once you know '图表', try to learn '饼状图' and '柱状图' to sound more advanced.

Lead-in Phrases

Use '如这张图表所示' (As shown in this chart) to start your explanation.

Software Skills

Look for the word '图表' in the menus of Chinese versions of Excel or PowerPoint.

HSK Prep

Practice describing trends (up, down, stable) while looking at a 图表.

Context Clues

If you hear '数据' (data), the next word is likely '图表'.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to '表'; the bottom part is '衣' (clothes) but without the top dot.

Color Coding

When making a 图表, use colors to make the '图' part stand out from the '表' background.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a picture (图) hanging on a wall, and below it is a list or table (表) explaining what the picture means. Together, they make a chart (图表).

Visual Association

Visualize a big 'X' and 'Y' axis with a colorful line going up. This is a classic '图表'.

Word Web

Data Graph Chart Visualize Analysis Table Report Trend

Challenge

Try to find three different '图表' in a news article today and name them in Chinese.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '图' (tú) originally depicted a map or a plan within a border. '表' (biǎo) originally referred to the outside of a garment, later evolving to mean something that displays information on the surface.

Original meaning: A pictorial representation displayed on a surface.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when presenting '图表' about sensitive topics like politics or demographics in a formal Chinese setting.

In English, we often distinguish between 'graph' and 'chart,' but in Chinese, '图表' covers both.

Statistical Yearbooks of China Alibaba's Double 11 Sales Charts Tencent's User Growth Diagrams

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office Meeting

请看图表
数据在图表中
更新图表
分析这张图表

Science Lab

实验图表
绘制图表
图表反映结果
检查图表

News Report

最新图表
图表对比
图表显示趋势
据图表统计

School Homework

画个图表
看图表写作文
图表里的题
练习制作图表

Stock Market

股价图表
走势图表
技术图表
盯着图表看

Conversation Starters

"你能帮我解释一下这张图表吗？"

"你觉得用哪种图表展示数据最好？"

"这张图表里的数据是从哪里来的？"

"我们是不是该给这份报告加几张图表？"

"你最近看关于人口变化的图表了吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一张你今天在新闻里看到的图表，它告诉了你什么？

如果你要画一张关于你生活习惯的图表，你会画什么？

为什么在工作中图表比文字更有效？请谈谈你的看法。

回忆一次你因为看错图表而产生误解的经历。

想象未来的图表会是什么样子的？会有全息图表吗？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In casual speech, yes, but in writing or professional settings, '张' is much better and more common.

No, it can be hand-drawn on paper, on a whiteboard, or printed in a book.

统计图 is a subset of 图表, specifically for statistical data. 图表 is the general term.

It is called '饼状图' (bǐngzhuàngtú), which literally means 'cake-shaped chart'.

Usually no. A map is '地图'. However, a map with data on it might be called a '专题图表'.

Yes, it is a standard professional term. The informal version is often just '图'.

You can say '图表显示呈上升趋势' (The chart shows an upward trend).

No, use '画' (draw) or '制作' (make).

It's a common phrase for describing a picture or chart in your own words.

Yes, it is very common in the reading and writing sections of HSK 3-6.