The difference between 表现 and 体现

The verb 体现

expresses how abstract things display themselves in people or objects. For example, thoughts, spirit or features.

Examples

不同文化的差异在语言特别是词语上体现得最突出

Cultural differences are reflected in in language, especially in words

bùtóng wénhuà de chāyì zài yǔyán tèbié shì cíyǔ shàng tǐxiàn de zuì tūchū

在这个人身上体现了时代精神

This man embodies the spirit of the times

zài zhè ge rén shēnshang tǐxiàn le shídài jīngshén

你的一言一行都体现你的个性

Your words and actions reflect your character

nǐ de yì yán yì xíng dōu tǐxiàn nǐ de gèxìng

The verb 表现

We can use the verb 表现

to express spiritual qualities, feelings or attitudes towards something.

Examples

他对什么事都表现得很乐观

He is optimistic about everything

tā duì shénme shì dōu biǎoxiàn de hěn lèguān

他们面对困难表现了坚强的毅力

They persevered in the face of difficulties

tāmen miànduì kùnnan biǎoxiàn le jiānqiáng de yìlì

人们应该自由表现自己的个性

People should be free to express their individuality

rénmen yīnggāi zìyóu biǎoxiàn zìjǐ de gèxìng

The verb 表现 can also mean "to manifest". In this meaning, 表现 emphasizes that a person intentionally demonstrates his capabilities.

Pay attention

表现 is often followed by the pronoun 自己

Examples

为了得到领导的欣赏，他拼命地表现自己

He wants to prove himself to his supervisior

wèile dédào lǐngdǎo de xīnshǎng, tā pīnmìng de biǎoxiàn zìjǐ

从好的一方面表现自己

to prove yourself

cóng hǎo de yì fāngmiàn biǎoxiàn zìjǐ

The noun 表现

表现 can also be used as a noun "performance", "behavior”.

Examples

我们对你的表现非常满意

We are very pleased with your performance

wǒmen duì nǐ de biǎoxiàn fēicháng mǎnyì

他尖锐地批评了政府的表现

He criticized the government's actions

tā jiānruì de pīpíng le zhèngfǔ de biǎoxiàn

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