show
/ʃəʊ/ (bre, ipa) · /ʃəʊ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈshō/ (ame, mw) · /ʃoʊ/ (ame, ipa)
show — 動詞
- showpresent simple I / you / we / they
- showshe / she / it
- showedpast simple
- shownpast participle
- showing-ing form
1. to put something in a place where people can see it, or to let another person lo
展示；出示
讓人看見某物
to put something in a place where people can see it, or to let another person look at something you have.
Nila showed the security guard her pass before entering the building.
Nila 向警衛出示了她的通行證，然後走進大樓。
show + someone + something (double object structure)
Harper opened the box carefully to show the birthday cake to her friends.
Harper 小心地打開盒子，向朋友們展示生日蛋糕。
The doctor showed the X-ray to the patient and pointed at the broken bone.
醫生將 X 光片拿給病人看，並指出骨折的位置。
Putri held up her painting to show it to the art teacher for feedback.
Putri 舉起她的畫作，拿給美術老師看，請她給意見。
The tour guide showed the group an old photograph of the town from 1920.
導遊向團員展示了一張這座小鎮 1920 年的老照片。
- hide
to put something where it cannot be seen
文法句型
show + noun phrase
show + someone + something
show + something + to + someone
用法筆記
Commonly used with two objects: you show someone something, or you show something to someone. Both patterns are natural in everyday English.
常見錯誤
2. when a piece of equipment such as a clock or a gauge displays a particular readi
顯示
儀器上出現數字或數據
when a piece of equipment such as a clock or a gauge displays a particular reading, quantity, or other piece of information.
The kitchen scale showed exactly five hundred grams of rice.
廚房磅秤上顯示正好五百公克的米。
subject = measuring device; object = measurement
The clock on the wall showed a quarter past three in the afternoon.
牆上的時鐘顯示下午三點十五分。
The speedometer in Reuben's car showed one hundred and twenty kilometres per hour.
Reuben 車上的時速表顯示時速一百二十公里。
The thermometer showed thirty-nine degrees, so the baby had caught a fever.
體溫計顯示三十九度，表示寶寶發燒了。
The petrol gauge at the side of the road showed that the tank was almost empty.
路邊的油量表顯示油箱幾乎空了。
文法句型
show + noun phrase (measurement)
用法筆記
Subject is always a device or instrument. The object is a number, measurement, or that-clause describing the reading. Not used for people.
常見錯誤
3. to teach someone how something is done by carrying out the steps yourself while
示範；教
用動作或步驟教人怎麼做
to teach someone how something is done by carrying out the steps yourself while they watch, or by giving clear instructions to follow.
The swimming coach showed the children how to float on their backs.
游泳教練示範給孩子們看如何仰漂。
show + someone + how to + infinitive
Putri showed her younger brother how to tie his shoelaces into a double knot.
Putri 示範給弟弟看怎樣把鞋帶打成雙結。
The instructor showed the class the proper way to hold a pair of chopsticks.
教練向全班示範了正確的拿筷子方式。
Can you show me how this new coffee machine works before the guests arrive?
在客人到之前，你可以教我怎麼用這台新咖啡機嗎？
Femi showed the new student where the library and the science lab were located.
Femi 向新同學指出圖書館和科學實驗室的位置。
- demonstrate
more formal; common in educational and professional settings
- teach
broader; can mean giving systematic instruction over time
文法句型
show + someone + how to + infinitive
show + someone + noun phrase
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 3 focuses on teaching a process or skill, not just letting someone see an object. Often followed by how + to-infinitive or a wh-clause.
常見錯誤
4. to provide facts, reasons, or evidence that make something clearly true or real.
證明
以證據確立事實
to provide facts, reasons, or evidence that make something clearly true or real.
The study showed that eating breakfast helps children concentrate better at school.
這項研究顯示，吃早餐有助於學童在學校更專心。
show + that-clause for evidence
Femi showed that his method was faster by finishing the test in half the time.
Femi 用一半的時間完成測驗，證明她的方法更快。
The sales report showed a clear increase in profits during the summer months.
銷售報告顯示夏季期間利潤明顯增長。
The test results showed that the medicine worked for more than ninety percent of patients.
測試結果顯示，這種藥對超過百分之九十的病患有效。
Research has shown a strong connection between exercise and good mental health.
研究已經證明運動與良好的心理健康之間有密切關聯。
- prove
stronger and more conclusive; suggests no remaining doubt
- demonstrate
formal; common in academic writing
- establish
formal; implies creating a solid foundation of evidence
- disprove
to show that something is false
文法句型
show + that-clause
show + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is usually a study, report, test, or research. This sense is more formal than sense 1 and is common in academic and professional writing.
常見錯誤
5. to let other people know what you feel, think, or what kind of person you are, t
展現；流露
透過言行表現情感或特質
to let other people know what you feel, think, or what kind of person you are, through your behaviour, words, or appearance.
The children showed great excitement when they saw the pile of presents under the tree.
孩子們看到樹下那一堆禮物時，表現出極大的興奮。
show + emotion noun
The nurse showed great patience while teaching the old man to use his walking stick.
那位護士在教老先生使用枴杖時，展現了極大的耐心。
Salma showed no interest in the football match and kept looking at her phone instead.
Salma 對足球比賽表現出毫無興趣，一直在看手機。
Mauricio showed great courage when he gave a speech in front of the whole school.
Mauricio 在全校面前發表演說時，展現了極大的勇氣。
The way Ilan helped the lost child showed that he cared about other people.
Ilan 幫助迷路小孩的舉動，顯示他關心他人。
文法句型
show + noun phrase (emotion / quality)
用法筆記
Object is an emotion (excitement, fear, anger), a quality (patience, courage, kindness), or lack of interest (no interest / no sign). Distinguish from sense 4: here you show your own feelings or qualities, not prove an external fact.
常見錯誤
6. to be visible or easy to detect, especially when referring to a feeling, mark, o
顯現；看得出
容易被看見或注意到
to be visible or easy to detect, especially when referring to a feeling, mark, or result that appears on a surface or in someone's manner.
The stain on the white shirt showed clearly under the bright kitchen lights.
白襯衫上的污漬在廚房明亮的燈光下看得很清楚。
intransitive: stain shows (mark becomes visible)
Olivia tried to stay calm, but her worry showed on her face during the exam.
Olivia 試圖保持冷靜，但在考試時她的擔憂仍然表現在臉上。
intransitive: emotion shows on face
The crack in the vase did not show until light hit it from the right angle.
花瓶上的裂痕要等到光線從正確角度照射時才看得見。
Christopher had not slept well, and it showed in how slowly he moved that morning.
Christopher 前一晚沒睡好，從他那天早上動作緩慢就看得出來。
Sumin's hard work showed in the high marks she received on her final exam.
Sumin 的努力從期末考的高分就看得出來。
- appear
neutral; can mean becoming visible or coming into view
- be visible
more literal; used when something can be seen with the eyes
- disappear
to stop being visible
文法句型
show on/in + noun phrase
show through + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is intransitive — there is no object. What follows is a prepositional phrase (on / in / through) describing where or how the thing appears. Very common with feelings, flaws, and results of effort.
常見錯誤
7. During pregnancy, a woman begins to show when her belly grows large enough for o
顯肚
懷孕腹部逐漸隆起
During pregnancy, a woman begins to show when her belly grows large enough for other people to notice that she is expecting a baby.
Jisoo did not really start to show until she was about five months along.
Jisoo 一直到懷孕五個月左右才開始明顯顯肚。
intransitive: start to show + time phrase
By the sixth month, Mayumi was clearly showing and had to buy looser clothes.
到了第六個月，Mayumi 已經很顯肚了，不得不買寬鬆的衣服。
Shirin was already showing when she told her colleagues the news.
Shirin 告訴同事這個消息時，她已經顯肚了。
Some women start to show much earlier with their second baby.
有些女性懷第二胎時會更早開始顯肚。
文法句型
show (of a pregnant woman)
用法筆記
Only used of pregnant women. Always intransitive — you cannot say 'she shows her pregnancy' to mean this.
常見錯誤
8. If a person shows their age, their appearance makes it clear how old they are, e
顯老
外表透露出實際年齡
If a person shows their age, their appearance makes it clear how old they are, especially when they look older than usual because of tiredness or stress.
At fifty-five, Ignacio still ran every morning, but the wrinkles on his face showed his age.
Ignacio 五十五歲每天還是跑步，但他臉上的皺紋還是顯露出他的年紀。
collocation: show one's age (physical signs of aging)
Obi's grey hair made him show his age more than he used to.
Obi 的白髮讓他比以前更顯老。
Christopher looked young for fifty, but the long walk home made him show his age.
Christopher 五十歲看起來還很年輕，但走了那段長路回家後就顯老了。
Camille's hands showed her age more than her face did.
Camille 的雙手比她的臉更顯老。
- look one's age
more neutral, simply means appearing as old as one is
- look young
opposite effect; appear younger than one's actual age
文法句型
show (of age, fatigue, wear)
用法筆記
Often used with a possessive determiner (show one's age). The subject can be a person or a specific body part.
9. To place paintings, sculptures, or other creative works where members of the pub
展出
公開展示藝術作品
To place paintings, sculptures, or other creative works where members of the public can come and see them, especially in a gallery or museum.
The gallery is showing a collection of paintings by young African artists.
這間畫廊正在展出年輕非洲藝術家的一系列畫作。
transitive: show + artwork + by [artist]
Devika will show her ceramic work at the community art fair next month.
Devika 下個月將在社區藝術展上展出她的陶藝作品。
This museum has never shown modern sculpture in its main hall before.
這間博物館以前從未在主廳展出過現代雕塑。
Adisa decided to show his photographs at a small café downtown.
Adisa 決定在市區一家小咖啡館裡展出他的攝影作品。
文法句型
show + noun phrase (artwork)
show (intransitive, of artwork)
用法筆記
Commonly used for galleries, museums, and art fairs. Can be transitive (the artist shows work) or intransitive (the work is showing at a venue).
10. Movies, documentaries, and other programmes become available to the public when
播放；上映
電影院或電視播出影片
Movies, documentaries, and other programmes become available to the public when a theatre puts them on its screen or a channel broadcasts them to viewers at home.
The cinema is showing three new films this weekend.
這間電影院這週末上映三部新片。
transitive: venue + show + film + time phrase
This channel shows the news every evening at eight o'clock.
這個頻道每天晚上八點播放新聞。
The documentary is showing at the festival next Tuesday night.
這部紀錄片下週二晚上在影展中放映。
What time does the station show the basketball game?
電視台幾點播放籃球賽？
Yael's short film will show at the independent theatre for one week only.
Yael 的短片將在獨立戲院上映一週。
文法句型
show + noun phrase (film/programme)
be showing (intransitive)
用法筆記
Very common in the continuous form (is showing). The intransitive use ('the film is showing at...') is especially frequent in British English.
常見錯誤
11. To arrive at a place where you have agreed to meet someone or to take part in an
出現
按約定到達某處
To arrive at a place where you have agreed to meet someone or to take part in an event, especially when your coming is expected or hoped for.
Felipe showed up late for the meeting because the train was delayed.
Felipe 開會遲到了，因為火車誤點。
phrasal verb: show up + late + for [event]
Over thirty people showed up at the park for the community clean-up.
超過三十人出現在公園參加社區清掃活動。
Christopher showed up at the restaurant with a bottle of wine.
Christopher 帶著一瓶酒出現在餐廳。
Devika said she would show up around seven, but nobody saw her.
Devika 說她七點左右會到，但沒有人看到她。
文法句型
show up + adverb/prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Informal phrasal verb. Often implies arriving despite obstacles, or arriving at a socially expected occasion. Do not confuse with 'show up' meaning 'to embarrass someone' (a different sense).
常見錯誤
12. To walk with someone to a particular place, especially a seat, room, or building
帶領
引導某人到某處
To walk with someone to a particular place, especially a seat, room, or building, in order to help them find their way.
The nurse showed the patient to the examination room on the second floor.
護士帶領病人到二樓的檢查室。
pattern: show + someone + to [place]
Michael showed the visitors to their seats before the ceremony began.
Michael 在典禮開始前帶領訪客到他們的座位。
A guide showed us around the old castle during our visit.
一位導覽員帶領我們參觀了這座古城堡。
Felix showed the guests to the door after the party ended.
Felix 在派對結束後送客人到門口。
文法句型
show + someone + to/around/into + place
用法筆記
The past tense is 'showed', not 'shown', for this sense. The object is always a person, followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the destination.
常見錯誤
13. to make a feeling, quality, or secret visible or known, even when you are trying
不慎流露
無意中表現出隱藏的事物
to make a feeling, quality, or secret visible or known, even when you are trying to keep it hidden — for example, when your expression reveals your worry despite your calm words.
Walid tried to stay calm, but his voice showed how nervous he was.
Walid 試著保持冷靜，但他的語氣洩露出他有多緊張。
show + how-clause for unintended reveal
The old photograph showed hints of paint beneath that someone tried to cover up.
那張老照片洩露出底層還有顏料，是有人試圖蓋掉的。
inanimate subject: photograph showed hidden object
Putri's red eyes showed that she had been crying, though she would not admit it.
Putri 的眼睛紅紅的，看得出她剛哭過，雖然她不肯承認。
Even with thick makeup, the dark circles under Tendai's eyes still showed his exhaustion.
即使塗了厚厚的妝，Tendai 眼睛下方的黑眼圈還是洩露了他的疲憊。
The crack in the wall showed where the earthquake had damaged the foundation.
牆上的裂縫顯示出地震對地基造成的破壞。
- reveal
more deliberate than 'show'; 'reveal' often implies uncovering something hidden on purpose, while 'show' can be accidental
- betray
stronger and more negative; 'betray' suggests the person is actively letting something unwanted be seen
- give away
more informal; 'his expression gave away his worry' is everyday speech while 'showed' is neutral
文法句型
show + noun phrase (transitive)
show + that-clause
noun phrase + shows (intransitive)
用法筆記
Can be used transitively (showing something) or intransitively (something shows). The intransitive use often involves body language or physical evidence that reveals an underlying state.
14. to help someone notice or grasp something by pointing, demonstrating, or explain
指出；說明
引導他人注意或理解
to help someone notice or grasp something by pointing, demonstrating, or explaining it — for example, showing a visitor where the exit is, or showing a colleague how to use a software tool.
The tour guide showed the visitors where the old castle gates used to stand.
導覽員向遊客指出舊城堡大門原來的位置。
show + someone + where-clause
Talia showed her colleague which paragraph contained the error in the financial report.
Talia 向同事指出財務報告中哪一段有錯誤。
show + someone + which-clause (pointing out a specific detail)
The map on the wall showed us the shortest hiking route through the forest.
牆上的地圖為我們指出了穿過森林最短的健行路線。
Can you show me which file contains the budget figures for last quarter?
你能不能告訴我哪個檔案裡有上一季的預算數字？
The mechanic showed Hari exactly where the rust had eaten through the car's frame.
技師向 Hari 指出車子的底盤哪裡已經被鏽蝕穿透了。
- point out
more specific — drawing attention to something that is already there; less about demonstration
- demonstrate
more formal and implies a step-by-step explanation rather than a quick indication
- indicate
more formal; often used for signs, instruments, or abstract reference
文法句型
show + someone + something
show + someone + how/where/what clause
show + someone + that-clause
用法筆記
Frequently used with a direct object (the person) and a question-word clause: show someone where/how/what/which. Unlike 'teach', this sense does not require skill transfer over time — it can be a one-time act of pointing something out.
常見錯誤
15. of a horse, to finish in first, second, or third place in a race — meaning the h
跑進前三名
賽馬中獲得前三名
of a horse, to finish in first, second, or third place in a race — meaning the horse finishes among the top positions that qualify for prize money.
Thunderbolt showed in the Kentucky Derby, finishing second by just half a length.
Thunderbolt 在肯塔基德比中跑進前三名，以半個馬身的差距獲得第二名。
horse shows in [major race]
Only three horses showed in that race; the rest trailed far behind the leaders.
那場比賽只有三匹馬跑進前三名，其他的馬遠遠落在後面。
intransitive: only X horses showed
The trainer was thrilled when her young horse showed in its first professional race.
馴馬師看到自己年輕的馬在第一場職業比賽中就獲得前三名，感到非常興奮。
If a horse shows in three races, its value for breeding can rise dramatically.
如果一匹馬連續三場比賽都跑進前三名，牠的配種價值就會大幅上升。
- place
in US racing 'place' means finish second, while 'show' means finish third; in UK racing 'place' can mean top three — check regional usage
文法句型
horse + shows (in/at race)
用法筆記
Primarily used in North American horse racing. 'To show' specifically means finishing third or better. The related terms 'to win' (first), 'to place' (second) have different meanings, so this sense is not interchangeable with general 'finish well'.
常見錯誤
show — 名詞
- showsingular
- showsplural
1. a performance in a theatre, or a programme on television or radio that is intend
表演；節目
戲劇或電視廣播的娛樂演出
a performance in a theatre, or a programme on television or radio that is intended to amuse or interest people.
The whole family went to see a show at the city theatre last Saturday.
上週六全家去市立劇院看了一場表演。
collocation: see a show / go to a show
Liang watches his favourite TV show every evening after dinner.
Liang 每天晚餐後都會看他最喜歡的電視節目。
modifier: TV show / radio show
The comedy show had the audience laughing from start to finish.
那場喜劇表演從頭到尾都讓觀眾笑個不停。
Ada's first dance show was a big success with the parents.
Ada 的第一場舞蹈表演在家長面前大獲成功。
Ramón is looking for a new television show to watch on weekends.
Ramón 正在找一部週末可以看的新電視節目。
- performance
focuses on the live event, not the broadcast
- programme
more neutral, can include serious content; synonym in British English
- broadcast
emphasises the technical transmission rather than the content
用法筆記
Always refers to entertaining content. Sports broadcasts or serious news programmes are not called shows.
常見錯誤
2. a public event where a collection of related items, such as flowers, cars, or ar
展覽
公開展示同類物品的大型活動
a public event where a collection of related items, such as flowers, cars, or artworks, is presented for people to look at.
The flower show in the city park attracted thousands of visitors this year.
今年市立公園的花展吸引了數千名遊客。
compound noun: flower show / car show / art show
Rohan visited a car show where the latest electric models were on display.
Rohan 參觀了一場車展，最新款的電動車都在現場展示。
The school held a science show for students to present their projects.
學校舉辦了一場科展，讓學生們展示自己的作品。
Indra bought tickets for the annual boat show at the convention centre.
Indra 買了年度船展的門票，展覽在會議中心舉行。
Thousands of people walked through the art show in the museum halls.
成千上萬的人走過博物館大廳裡的藝術展。
- exhibition
more formal; can be used for any type of display, not just events
- display
emphasises the act of showing, can be smaller or less organised than a show
- fair
often includes entertainment or trade; more informal than show
用法筆記
Frequently used as part of a compound: flower show, car show, trade show. The items are usually for viewing rather than for sale.
3. placed or presented in a public space where people can look at it; used especial
陳列
擺在公共場所讓人觀看
placed or presented in a public space where people can look at it; used especially for exhibits in museums, galleries, or other display areas.
The museum has a collection of ancient pottery on show until September.
博物館有一批古代陶器在展出，展期到九月底。
fixed phrase: be on show
The winning paintings were put on show in the main hall of the gallery.
得獎的畫作被放在畫廊大廳裡展出。
collocation: put [object] on show
Rachel was proud to see her photographs on show at the local library.
Rachel 看到自己的照片在當地圖書館展出，感到非常自豪。
The new furniture designs will go on show for buyers next Monday.
新款的家具設計將於下週一展出，供買家參觀。
- on display
more common for commercial settings like shop windows; slightly more formal
- exhibited
more formal; often used in written descriptions
- stored away
not available for the public to view
- hidden
kept out of sight
用法筆記
This is a fixed phrase, not a free combination. The phrase is always 'on show' — 'on display' is a near synonym but more formal. Never used as an attributive before a noun: 'on-show items' is incorrect.
常見錯誤
4. the top tier of professional baseball competition in the United States, made up
大聯盟
美國職棒最高層級
the top tier of professional baseball competition in the United States, made up of the American League and the National League.
The young pitcher dreamed of one day playing in the show.
這位年輕投手夢想著有天能站上大聯盟的投手丘。
fixed phrase with definite article: the show
After three years in the minor leagues, Jabari finally made the show.
在小聯盟待了三年之後，Jabari 終於升上了大聯盟。
collocation: make the show
Only the best players get a chance to compete in the show.
只有最頂尖的選手才有機會在大聯盟比賽。
Christopher watched every game of the show on television last season.
Christopher 上個球季在電視上看了每一場大聯盟的比賽。
- big leagues
more general term for top-level competition in any sport
- majors
informal; common in sports journalism
- minor leagues
lower-level professional baseball leagues where players develop before reaching the show
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article: 'the show'. This sense is specific to American baseball culture. In other sports, the equivalent term would be 'the majors' or 'the big leagues'.
常見錯誤
5. an action or gesture by which a person makes their feelings, beliefs, or persona
表示
展現感受或品質的行動
an action or gesture by which a person makes their feelings, beliefs, or personal qualities known to other people.
Tamar's gift was a kind show of gratitude for all the help she received.
Tamar 送的禮物是對她所得到的幫助表達感謝。
pattern: a show of + abstract noun (gratitude, support, anger)
The protesters made a public show of their anger outside the government building.
抗議者在政府大樓外公開表示他們的憤怒。
Her show of support meant a great deal to the team before the final match.
在決賽前，她表達了支持，這對球隊意義重大。
Ramón's tears were a genuine show of sadness at his grandfather's funeral.
Ramón 在爺爺的葬禮上流下眼淚，那是真誠地表示哀傷。
The general ordered a show of military strength along the border.
將軍下令在邊境展示軍力。
- display
very similar; can be slightly more dramatic or deliberate than show
- demonstration
more formal; suggests a planned or public action
- expression
more personal and internal; less about outward performance
- concealment
the act of hiding one's feelings
- restraint
keeping feelings controlled rather than displaying them
用法筆記
The object of the preposition 'of' is an abstract noun naming the feeling or quality (anger, support, gratitude, strength). This sense is neutral — the show can be either sincere or insincere, depending on context.
常見錯誤
6. the impression that a task or a piece of writing gives about how much time, care
樣子
表面上看起來付出的努力程度
the impression that a task or a piece of writing gives about how much time, care, or speed was put into it — for example, whether it looks done with great attention or with hardly any effort.
Darius cleaned his room with a great show of effort for his mother.
Darius 做出一副很努力的樣子整理房間給媽媽看。
pattern: a [adjective] show of [noun]
The report was written with little show of care and contained many spelling mistakes.
那份報告看不出有用心寫，裡面有很多拼字錯誤。
Élise finished the race with an impressive show of strength in the final metres.
Élise 在最後幾公尺展現了驚人的體力，衝過了終點線。
Jenna packed her suitcase with a show of speed, throwing things in without folding them.
Jenna 一副很趕的樣子收拾行李，東西沒折就直接丟進去。
- display
similar but slightly broader; can also be used for feelings (sense 5)
- appearance
focuses on how something looks rather than the actual effort involved
用法筆記
Describes the appearance of effort, not necessarily the reality. The phrase 'a show of [adjective] effort/care/speed' evaluates the visible result. Differs from sense 5 (DISPLAY OF FEELING) because it describes the quality of work rather than an emotional message.
常見錯誤
7. an outward display of something that hides the true situation — for example, pre
假象；偽裝
不真誠的虛假外表
an outward display of something that hides the true situation — for example, pretending to be confident when you are actually feeling nervous.
Adisa put on a brave show of confidence, though his hands were shaking.
Adisa 裝出一副勇敢的模樣，儘管他的手在發抖。
a show of + abstract noun (bravery, confidence, etc.)
The politician's apology was little more than a show for the cameras.
那位政客的道歉不過是做給鏡頭看的表面工夫。
show for the cameras (insincere public performance)
Despite their friendly words, Yumi could sense a hollow show of politeness between the two rivals.
儘管話說得客氣，Yumi 還是感覺到了那兩個對手之間虛假的禮貌。
Underneath her confident show, Élise felt very unsure of herself.
在自信的表象之下，Élise 對自己非常沒有把握。
Making a dramatic show of grief at the funeral did not fool Nora for a second.
在葬禮上刻意表現悲痛，騙不了 Nora 半秒鐘。
- sincerity
the quality of being genuine and honest in feelings
文法句型
a show of [abstract noun]
用法筆記
Frequently followed by an abstract noun such as 'bravery', 'confidence', or 'sorrow', describing an emotion that is displayed but may not be genuinely felt.
常見錯誤
8. describes something that has no real function and exists only to look attractive
裝飾用
僅供觀賞而無實際用途
describes something that has no real function and exists only to look attractive or impressive — for example, decorative objects that serve no practical purpose.
The old hardback books on the shelves were just for show — nobody had ever opened them.
架上那些精裝舊書只是擺著好看而已——根本沒人翻過。
for show (fixed phrase meaning decorative only)
The fireplace in Beatriz's apartment is only for show; it does not actually produce any heat.
Beatriz 公寓裡的壁爐只是裝飾用的，實際上不會產生任何暖氣。
Quinn bought a top-of-the-line espresso machine, but it is mostly for show since he only drinks tea.
Quinn 買了一台頂級濃縮咖啡機，但多半只是擺好看的，因為他只喝茶。
The security guard at the museum stood there purely for show, without any real authority to act.
博物館的那名警衛站在那裡純粹是做樣子，沒有任何真正的執法權力。
Adisa suspected the fancy decorations in the office were entirely for show and served no useful purpose.
Adisa 懷疑辦公室裡的華麗裝飾全是做樣子的，根本沒有實際用途。
- decorative
more neutral; does not necessarily imply uselessness
- ornamental
formal; focuses on beauty rather than function
- functional
designed to be useful rather than attractive
文法句型
be for show
用法筆記
Used only in the fixed phrase 'for show', often after 'be' or 'stand'. Cannot be used as an adjective before a noun (✗ 'a for-show item').
常見錯誤
9. a business, project, or situation viewed in terms of the person who manages or c
事業；機構
由某人掌管的事業或組織
a business, project, or situation viewed in terms of the person who manages or controls it.
Yumi has been running the show at the local bookstore for over twelve years now.
Yumi 在當地那家書店已經主事超過十二年了。
run the show (idiom meaning to be in charge)
Who is in charge of this show now that the previous manager has retired?
前任經理退休之後，現在這裡由誰作主？
After building the company from nothing, Omar sold his entire show to a larger competitor.
Omar 白手起家創辦公司，後來把整個事業賣給了一家更大的競爭對手。
The charity fundraiser was entirely Lucas's show, from planning to clean-up.
那場慈善募款從籌劃到清場全是 Lucas 一手包辦的。
It is Mathieu's show, so he makes the final call on every major decision.
這是 Mathieu 的事業，所以每個重大決定都由他做最後定奪。
- operation
more formal; broader scope than 'show'
- enterprise
more formal; implies a serious business venture
- affair
slightly dated; neutral in formality
文法句型
someone's show
run the show
用法筆記
Nearly always appears with a possessive (someone's show) or in the fixed phrase 'run the show'. Rarely used in formal writing.
常見錯誤
10. a discharge of blood-streaked mucus from the vagina that can indicate the onset
見紅
分娩前陰道排出帶血黏液
a discharge of blood-streaked mucus from the vagina that can indicate the onset of labour.
The midwife told Charlotte that losing a show is a normal sign that labour may begin soon.
助產士告訴 Charlotte，見紅是子宮即將開始收縮的正常徵兆。
a show (medical term for the discharge)
Nila noticed a show early in the morning and decided to call the maternity ward for advice.
Nila 清晨發現見紅後，決定打電話到產科病房諮詢。
Having a show does not always mean that active labour has started straight away.
見紅並不代表產程會立刻進入活躍期。
The doctor explained that a show is one of the earliest signs that the body is preparing for birth.
醫師解釋說，見紅是身體正在為分娩做準備的最早跡象之一。
- bloody show
a more descriptive but less preferred alternative term
文法句型
have a show
a show (medical)
用法筆記
Primarily used by medical professionals and in pregnancy literature. The patient is usually the subject of 'have' or 'notice'. Not used in everyday conversation outside of childbirth contexts.