Expressions are the visible language of our emotions and intentions displayed on our faces.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Facial muscle movements showing emotion.
- Key non-verbal communication cue.
- Can be happy, sad, angry, surprised.
Overview
表情（biǎoqíng）是汉语中一个非常基础且常用的词，指人脸部肌肉的运动所表现出来的状态，用来传达情感、意图或反应。它与人的内心世界紧密相连，是我们与他人沟通的重要非语言线索之一。一个人的表情可以瞬间改变，反映其当下的情绪波动，例如开心时的微笑、悲伤时的哭泣、愤怒时的皱眉等。理解和解读表情是人际交往中的关键技能。
表情通常作为名词使用，可以单独出现，也可以与其他词语组合。例如，“他的表情很奇怪”或“我看不懂他的表情”。在描述具体情绪时，我们也会用到表情，比如“喜悦的表情”、“惊讶的表情”。它也可以指代一种状态，如“面无表情”（bù dòng guǎi sè），表示没有任何表情。
表情在日常生活中随处可见。在家庭交流中，父母通过孩子的表情了解他们的感受；在朋友聚会时，人们通过表情传递喜悦和幽默；在工作场合，一个积极的表情可以增进信任和合作。在影视、文学作品中，对人物表情的细致描摹也是塑造角色、推动情节的重要手段。例如，我们会看到“她脸上露出了欣慰的表情”这样的描述。
与“表情”相似的词语包括“神色”（shénsè）和“脸色”（liǎnsè）。“神色”更侧重于指人的精神状态、神情，有时也包含表情的意味，但更偏向于内在的流露。“脸色”则更侧重于因情绪变化而导致的肤色、面色上的改变，尤其常用于表示不悦或病态，如“他脸色很难看”。相比之下，“表情”是最直接、最广泛地指代面部肌肉运动以表达情绪的词。
Examples
他听到这个消息后，脸上的表情变得很严肃。
everydayAfter hearing the news, the expression on his face became very serious.
演员通过精湛的演技，完美地传达了角色的内心痛苦，观众能从他细微的表情变化中感受到。
formalThrough superb acting skills, the actor perfectly conveyed the character's inner suffering, which the audience could feel from his subtle changes in expression.
别那么严肃啦，笑一个！你的表情太吓人了。
informalDon't be so serious! Smile! Your expression is too scary.
研究表明，婴儿的表情是先天形成的，而非完全后天学习的结果。
academicResearch indicates that infant expressions are innate rather than purely learned.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
丰富的表情
rich expressions
面无表情
expressionless
喜悦的表情
joyful expression
Often Confused With
'神色' (shénsè) refers more broadly to a person's demeanor or look, often implying their mental state or spirit. While it can include facial expressions, it's a more general term for how someone appears.
'脸色' (liǎnsè) specifically refers to the color and appearance of the face, often changing due to emotions like anger, illness, or fear. It's more about the complexion change than the muscle movements.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '表情' is very common in everyday Chinese. It can be used neutrally to describe any facial expression or to comment on the nature of someone's expression. It's generally understood across all registers, though more descriptive language might be used in formal or literary contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes confuse '表情' with '脸色' (liǎnsè) or '神色' (shénsè). Remember that '表情' focuses on the muscle movements and the conveyed emotion, '脸色' relates to the skin's color change, and '神色' is a broader term for demeanor.
Tips
Observe Facial Cues
Pay attention to people's facial expressions to better understand their feelings and reactions.
Misinterpreting Expressions
Be cautious when interpreting expressions, as they can sometimes be misleading or culturally nuanced.
Cultural Differences
Facial expressions can vary in meaning across different cultures. What might seem friendly in one culture could be interpreted differently in another.
Word Origin
The character '表' (biǎo) originally meant 'outer surface' or 'exterior', and it also developed the meaning of 'to show' or 'to display'. The character '情' (qíng) means 'feeling', 'emotion', or 'state'. Together, they logically form the concept of displaying emotions externally through the face.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, maintaining a neutral or pleasant expression is often valued in formal settings to show respect and self-control. However, genuine emotions are also expressed openly among close friends and family. Reading subtle facial cues is an important part of social interaction.
Memory Tip
Think of '表' (biǎo) as 'showing' or 'displaying' and '情' (qíng) as 'emotion' or 'feeling'. So, '表情' is literally 'showing emotion' on your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“表情”主要指脸部肌肉的运动，是外在的。“神色”则更侧重于人的精神状态和神情，有时也包含表情，但更偏向内在的流露。
“面无表情”指脸上没有任何表情，看不出任何情绪或想法。它描述的是一种平静或麻木的状态。
在任何需要描述或理解他人情绪和意图的场合都会用到。日常交流、人际互动、文学艺术创作等都非常常见。
一般情况下，“表情”主要用于形容人。虽然有时人们会拟人化地描述动物的“表情”，但严格来说，它主要指人类的面部表达。
Test Yourself
看到精彩的表演，他脸上露出了赞叹的______。
这里描述的是脸部肌肉的运动所表达出的赞叹，用“表情”最合适。
当听到好消息时，她脸上洋溢着______的表情。
“喜悦”是高兴的意思，与“好消息”和“脸上洋溢着”的语境吻合。
他的 / 表情 / 很难 / 看懂 / 有点
这个选项语序自然，意思清晰，符合中文表达习惯。
Score: /3
Summary
Expressions are the visible language of our emotions and intentions displayed on our faces.
- Facial muscle movements showing emotion.
- Key non-verbal communication cue.
- Can be happy, sad, angry, surprised.
Observe Facial Cues
Pay attention to people's facial expressions to better understand their feelings and reactions.
Misinterpreting Expressions
Be cautious when interpreting expressions, as they can sometimes be misleading or culturally nuanced.
Cultural Differences
Facial expressions can vary in meaning across different cultures. What might seem friendly in one culture could be interpreted differently in another.
Examples
4 of 4他听到这个消息后，脸上的表情变得很严肃。
After hearing the news, the expression on his face became very serious.
演员通过精湛的演技，完美地传达了角色的内心痛苦，观众能从他细微的表情变化中感受到。
Through superb acting skills, the actor perfectly conveyed the character's inner suffering, which the audience could feel from his subtle changes in expression.
别那么严肃啦，笑一个！你的表情太吓人了。
Don't be so serious! Smile! Your expression is too scary.
研究表明，婴儿的表情是先天形成的，而非完全后天学习的结果。
Research indicates that infant expressions are innate rather than purely learned.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
