Explicit refers to something that is clearly expressed and directly observable.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to characteristics that are directly observable or overt.
- Contrasts with implicit or hidden qualities.
- Used in professional, academic, and technical contexts.
常见语境：在职场中，我们常说“显性知识”，指那些写在文档里、可以轻易传授的技能；在心理学中，指“显性行为”，即直接表现出来的动作；在经济学中，指“显性成本”，即企业在经营中实际支付的货币支出。
- 1近义词辨析：“显性”与“明显”不同，“明显”侧重于程度上的容易被发现，而“显性”侧重于性质上的外露，即它本身就是一种外在的形式。例如，一个人的愤怒可能是“显性”的（直接表现出来），而这种愤怒表现得非常“明显”。
Examples
这是一种显性的表达方式，大家都听懂了。
everydayThis is an explicit way of expressing, and everyone understood it.
我们需要分析项目的显性成本与隐性成本。
formalWe need to analyze the explicit and implicit costs of the project.
他的不满表现得很显性。
informalHis dissatisfaction was quite overt.
显性知识的管理是组织创新的关键。
academicThe management of explicit knowledge is key to organizational innovation.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
显性特征
Explicit feature
显性表现
Overt manifestation
显性化
To make explicit
Often Confused With
明显 means 'obvious' or 'clear' in terms of degree. 显性 means 'explicit' or 'overt' in terms of nature or manifestation.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '显性' is primarily used in formal, academic, or professional settings. It is rarely used in casual conversation to describe simple physical objects. It carries a sense of objectivity and analytical categorization.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '显性' as a synonym for 'very clear' (明显). Remember that '显性' requires an object that can be categorized as external or measurable. Avoid using it to describe subjective emotions.
Tips
Use with clear nouns
Always pair '显性' with nouns like 'knowledge', 'cost', or 'feature'. It functions best as an adjective describing concrete, measurable items.
Avoid using for abstract feelings
Do not use '显性' to describe vague internal feelings. Use it only for things that are objectively observable by others.
Professional communication standard
In Chinese business culture, using terms like '显性需求' demonstrates a professional and analytical mindset. It shows you focus on data-driven observations.
Word Origin
The word is a modern compound derived from '显' (to manifest/show) and '性' (nature/quality). It was popularized through the translation of Western scientific and management terminology.
Cultural Context
The term is heavily influenced by Western management theories, specifically regarding Knowledge Management. It reflects a shift towards valuing data and documented processes in modern Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Think of an 'X-ray' for '显性' because it makes the internal structure visible. Remember: 显性 = Visible/Explicit.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions显性知识是可以通过文字、图表记录并传播的知识。隐性知识则存在于个人的经验和直觉中，难以通过语言完全表达。
显性行为指一个人表现出来的、可以被他人观察到的外在动作。它与内在的心理活动或动机形成对比。
显性成本是企业在生产经营过程中实际发生的货币支出，如工资、原材料费用等。这是会计核算中必须明确记录的支出。
“显性”的反义词是“隐性”。这两个词在描述知识、性格、成本或逻辑关系时常成对出现。
Test Yourself
相比于难以言说的经验，文档中的操作指南属于___知识。
文档记录的知识是明确且可传播的，属于显性知识。
Score: /1
Summary
Explicit refers to something that is clearly expressed and directly observable.
- Refers to characteristics that are directly observable or overt.
- Contrasts with implicit or hidden qualities.
- Used in professional, academic, and technical contexts.
Use with clear nouns
Always pair '显性' with nouns like 'knowledge', 'cost', or 'feature'. It functions best as an adjective describing concrete, measurable items.
Avoid using for abstract feelings
Do not use '显性' to describe vague internal feelings. Use it only for things that are objectively observable by others.
Professional communication standard
In Chinese business culture, using terms like '显性需求' demonstrates a professional and analytical mindset. It shows you focus on data-driven observations.
Examples
4 of 4这是一种显性的表达方式，大家都听懂了。
This is an explicit way of expressing, and everyone understood it.
我们需要分析项目的显性成本与隐性成本。
We need to analyze the explicit and implicit costs of the project.
他的不满表现得很显性。
His dissatisfaction was quite overt.
显性知识的管理是组织创新的关键。
The management of explicit knowledge is key to organizational innovation.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
