shows
shows — 動詞
- showspresent simple I / you / we / they
- showses3rd person singular
- showsing-ing form
- showsedpast simple
1. to place, hold, or move something so that other people can see it, for example b
展示；顯示
讓人看見物品或地方
to place, hold, or move something so that other people can see it, for example by holding it up, pointing at it, or uncovering it.
Brian showed his passport to the security guard at the airport entrance.
Brian 在機場入口向保全人員展示了他的護照。
show + noun phrase + to + someone
The nurse showed the visitors where the waiting room was located.
護理師帶訪客到等候室的位置。
show + someone + question word + clause
Hana showed the exchange student around the campus on Monday morning.
Hana 在星期一早上帶交換學生參觀校園。
The museum will show ancient pottery from the Zhou dynasty next summer.
這間博物館將於明年夏天展示周朝的古陶器。
Chidi showed the contents of his backpack to the customs officer at the border.
Chidi 在邊境向海關人員展示了背包裡的物品。
文法句型
show + noun phrase
show + someone + around + place
show + noun phrase + to + someone
用法筆記
Frequently used with a prepositional phrase (to, around, into) that tells where or to whom something is shown.
常見錯誤
2. (of a clock, gauge, instrument, or screen) to display a particular number, time,
標示；顯示
儀器顯示數值或時間
(of a clock, gauge, instrument, or screen) to display a particular number, time, or amount as its reading.
The thermometer on the balcony showed thirty-two degrees at noon today.
陽台上的溫度計今天中午顯示三十二度。
show + noun phrase (reading/measurement)
Greta's fitness watch showed that she had walked over twelve thousand steps.
Greta 的健身手環顯示她走了超過一萬兩千步。
show + that-clause
The old clock on the wall showed five minutes past eight in the evening.
牆上的老時鐘顯示晚上八點零五分。
The fuel gauge on the dashboard showed that the tank was nearly empty.
儀表板上的油量表顯示油箱幾乎空了。
The bathroom scale showed a number that Dahlia had not expected to see.
浴室體重計顯示了一個 Dahlia 沒預料到的數字。
文法句型
show + noun phrase
show + that-clause
用法筆記
The subject is usually a device or instrument rather than a person. Can be used with a that-clause to report a complete reading.
3. to teach someone a skill or method by performing the action yourself while they
示範
實際做給別人看以教導
to teach someone a skill or method by performing the action yourself while they watch, so they can learn to do it too.
Ilan showed the children how to fold the paper into a bird shape.
Ilan 示範給孩子們看如何把紙摺成一隻鳥的形狀。
show + someone + how + to-infinitive
The kitchen staff showed the new cook where to store the vegetables and spices.
廚房員工教新來的廚師蔬菜和香料該放在哪裡。
show + someone + where + to-infinitive
Mayumi showed her younger brother how to tie his shoelaces properly.
Mayumi 示範給她弟弟看如何正確地綁鞋帶。
A firefighter showed the residents how to use the extinguisher in an emergency.
一位消防員示範給居民看如何在緊急情況下使用滅火器。
Valentina showed her colleagues what steps to follow when preparing the monthly report.
Valentina 示範給同事看準備每月報告時該遵循哪些步驟。
- demonstrate
more formal; often used in training and professional contexts
- teach
broader; can be done through explanation alone without showing
文法句型
show + someone + how + to + verb
show + someone + what + to + verb
用法筆記
The object is a person (the learner) followed by a question word (how, what, where) plus a to-infinitive clause. This pattern is an alternative to 'teach' but focuses on physical demonstration.
常見錯誤
4. to provide facts, data, or results that make something clear and prove that it i
證明
以證據證實某事為真
to provide facts, data, or results that make something clear and prove that it is true or exists.
The test results showed that Ezra had been right about the faulty wiring.
檢測結果證明 Ezra 對故障線路的判斷是正確的。
show + that-clause (proving a point)
Recent studies show a clear connection between regular exercise and better sleep quality.
近期研究顯示規律運動與較佳的睡眠品質之間有明確關聯。
The empty wallet on the floor showed that someone had taken the money while Brian was away.
地板上空空的錢包顯示 Brian 不在的時候有人拿走了裡面的錢。
The muddy footprints on the kitchen floor showed that a raccoon had come in during the night.
廚房地板上的泥巴腳印證明有一隻浣熊在夜裡跑了進來。
Hamza's victory in the competition showed how much his training had paid off over the months.
Hamza 在比賽中的勝利證明了過去幾個月的訓練多麼有成效。
The investigation showed that someone had entered the building through a window at the back.
調查結果顯示，有人是從後面的窗戶進入那棟建築物的。
A quick look at the receipt showed a mistake in the total amount charged.
快速檢查一下收據，就發現總金額算錯了。
- prove
stronger claim; implies definite, final confirmation
- demonstrate
more formal; suggests deliberate, systematic proof
- reveal
suggests that the truth was previously hidden or unknown
文法句型
show + that-clause
show + noun phrase
用法筆記
The subject is typically evidence, a study, a test result, or a physical trace, not a person. Distinguish from sense 1 (MAKE VISIBLE) — here the focus is on proving a conclusion, not just letting someone see something.
常見錯誤
5. to behave or speak in a way that lets other people see your emotions, thoughts,
表現；流露
以言行表達情感或特質
to behave or speak in a way that lets other people see your emotions, thoughts, or personal qualities — for example, showing anger by shouting, or showing kindness by helping someone.
Hamza showed his gratitude by writing a heartfelt thank-you note to the entire team.
Hamza 寫了一封真誠的感謝信給整個團隊，表達了他的感激之情。
show + noun phrase (emotion) + by + gerund
Little Eliska showed no fear when she climbed onto the horse for the first time.
小 Eliska 第一次爬上馬背時，一點都沒有表現出害怕的樣子。
The crowd showed their support by cheering loudly throughout the entire match.
觀眾在整場比賽中大聲加油，表達了他們的支持。
Ritu showed great patience while teaching the beginners how to play chess last weekend.
Ritu 上週末教初學者下棋時展現了極大的耐心。
Small children often show their feelings more openly than adults do in social situations.
幼童在社交場合往往比大人更直接地表露自己的情緒。
- express
more general; can be done through words, art, or behaviour
- display
slightly more formal; suggests making feelings deliberately obvious
- demonstrate
used for qualities like courage or commitment rather than passing emotions
文法句型
show + noun phrase
show + noun phrase + to + someone
用法筆記
The noun phrase is usually an emotion (gratitude, fear, anger), a quality (patience, courage), or the absence of one (no fear, no interest). The pattern 'show + noun phrase + by + -ing' is common for explaining how the feeling is expressed.
常見錯誤
6. to become detectable by sight, often after being concealed or difficult to perce
顯現；看得見
變得可見或可察覺
to become detectable by sight, often after being concealed or difficult to perceive at first.
The dirt on the cream-coloured carpet did not show until the sunlight hit it directly.
米色地毯上的污垢直到陽光直射時才看得見。
show (intransitive — become visible in certain conditions)
Greta's disappointment showed on her face when she read the rejection letter from the university.
Greta 讀到大學的拒絕信時，失望全寫在臉上。
The old green paint on the wall shows through the new coat of white in a few places.
牆上舊的綠色油漆在幾個地方從新的白色塗層底下透了出來。
The hairline crack in the vase barely shows unless you hold it up to the light carefully.
花瓶上的細微裂痕除非對著光仔細看，否則幾乎看不出來。
Hana's happiness showed in the way she hummed softly while watering the plants on the balcony.
Hana 的快樂表現在她在陽台上澆花時輕聲哼唱的模樣中。
- appear
broader; can refer to anything coming into view, not just something previously hidden
- be visible
more formal; describes a state rather than an action
文法句型
show (no object)
用法筆記
No object follows this sense. The location where something becomes visible is often added with a preposition (on, in, through). Distinguish from sense 5 (EXPRESS FEELINGS) — sense 5 is transitive (someone shows a feeling); sense 6 is intransitive (a feeling or mark shows on its own).
常見錯誤
7. A woman who is expecting a baby is said to be showing once her belly grows large
顯孕
懷孕腹部變得明顯
A woman who is expecting a baby is said to be showing once her belly grows large enough for other people to notice.
Mei was five months pregnant but had not started to show yet.
Mei 懷孕五個月了，但肚子還沒有明顯隆起。
collocation: start to show / begin to show
Most women begin to show between weeks twelve and sixteen of their pregnancy.
大多數女性在懷孕第十二到第十六週之間開始顯孕。
adverb phrase: between [weeks]
The doctor told Yuki that twins often show earlier than a single baby.
醫生告訴 Yuki，懷雙胞胎通常比懷一胎更早顯孕。
By the seventh month Fatima had started to show, and her clothes no longer fit.
到了第七個月，Fatima 已經開始顯孕，衣服都穿不下了。
文法句型
show + adverb (e.g. early / late / already)
用法筆記
This sense is only used for physical pregnancy. It is never transitive — you cannot say 'she shows her belly' to mean the belly becomes visible.
常見錯誤
8. If a person or thing shows their age, it is possible to see that they have becom
顯老
表現出實際年齡的樣子
If a person or thing shows their age, it is possible to see that they have become old or have existed for a long time.
Grandpa still plays tennis every week and hardly shows his age at all.
爺爺每週還是會打網球，完全看不出他的年紀。
collocation: hardly show one's age
The old wooden floorboards were starting to show their age with deep scratches and faded colour.
那條舊木地板開始顯現歲月的痕跡，上面滿是刮痕，顏色也褪了。
used for objects as well as people
With her smooth skin and bright eyes, Ananya does not show her age at all.
Ananya 皮膚光滑、眼神明亮，一點也看不出她的年紀。
The building had been recently painted, but the cracked windows showed its age.
那棟建築最近重新油漆過，但破裂的窗戶暴露了它的年代。
- look
more general; 'show one's age' specifically means age is noticeable
文法句型
show + possessive + age/years
show + one's/its age
用法筆記
This sense typically appears in the fixed expression 'show one's age' or 'show its age'. It is often used with 'hardly', 'barely', 'doesn't', or 'starting to'.
常見錯誤
9. To display paintings, photographs, or other artworks in a gallery, museum, or ot
展出
公開展示藝術作品
To display paintings, photographs, or other artworks in a gallery, museum, or other public space for people to look at.
The local gallery is showing a collection of Pablo's landscape paintings this month.
當地畫廊這個月正在展出 Pablo 的一系列風景畫。
passive alternative: 'is showing' (active gallery)
Chen has shown his pottery at craft fairs across the country.
Chen 曾在全國各地的工藝市集展出他的陶藝作品。
collocation: show + at + [venue]
The museum will show sculptures by young artists from Southeast Asia next spring.
博物館明年春天將展出東南亞年輕藝術家的雕塑作品。
A small café near the market shows photographs taken by local residents.
市場附近的一家小咖啡館展出當地居民拍攝的照片。
文法句型
show + noun phrase (artwork) + preposition (at/in/by)
用法筆記
The gallery, museum, or venue is the subject. The artwork or artist is the object. For the intransitive equivalent ('his work is showing at the gallery'), see the 'screen or broadcast' sense pattern, though that structure is less common for art.
常見錯誤
10. If a cinema, television station, or theatre shows a film, play, or programme, pe
播放；上映
電視或電影院放映節目或電影
If a cinema, television station, or theatre shows a film, play, or programme, people can come and watch it there.
The cinema on Elm Street is showing the new animation film this summer.
Elm 街的電影院今年夏天正在上映那部新的動畫片。
active transitive: cinema + shows + film
That documentary was shown on national television last Tuesday evening.
那部紀錄片上週二晚上在全國電視臺播出。
passive: be shown on [channel/station]
The play is currently showing at the Grand Theatre in central London.
這齣戲劇目前正在倫敦市中心的 Grand Theatre 上演。
The local station shows old black-and-white films every Sunday afternoon.
本地電視臺每週日下午播放黑白老電影。
文法句型
show + noun phrase (film/programme)
be showing (intransitive) + adverb of place
用法筆記
Both active ('the cinema shows the film') and intransitive ('the film is showing') patterns are common. In the intransitive pattern, the film or programme is the subject and a place adverbial is required — 'the film is showing' alone is incomplete without a location or time reference.
常見錯誤
11. To arrive at a place where you are expected to be, especially a social event or
出現；到場
（非正式）到達某個場合
To arrive at a place where you are expected to be, especially a social event or a meeting.
We waited for over an hour but Amir never showed up at the restaurant.
我們在餐廳等了一個多小時，但 Amir 始終沒有出現。
negative: never show up
About fifty people showed up for the community meeting on Saturday morning.
大約有五十人出席了週六早上的社區會議。
collocation: show up for [event]
Hannah showed up late to work again and her boss was not pleased.
Hannah 上班又遲到了，她的老闆很不高興。
I was surprised that so many neighbours showed up to the charity run.
我很驚訝有這麼多鄰居來參加慈善路跑。
文法句型
show up + adverb (late/early/on time)
show up + preposition (at/for/to)
用法筆記
This sense is always the phrasal verb 'show up'. It is informal — in formal writing, use 'arrive', 'appear', or 'attend'. Do not confuse with 'show someone up', which means to embarrass someone.
常見錯誤
12. To go with someone and guide them to a particular place, such as their seat in a
引導；帶往
帶某人到某個地方
To go with someone and guide them to a particular place, such as their seat in a theatre or an office in a building.
The waiter showed us to a small table near the window with a nice view.
服務生帶我們到窗邊一張視野很好的小桌子。
pattern: show + [person] + to + [place]
A nurse showed the patient into the doctor's examination room and asked her to wait.
護士引導病人進入醫生的診療室，並請她稍候。
Please let the host show you to your seat before the performance begins.
請讓接待人員帶您入座，表演即將開始。
The receptionist showed Olu to the conference room on the second floor.
櫃檯人員帶 Olu 到二樓的會議室。
文法句型
show + someone + to/into/out of + place
用法筆記
The destination is always introduced by a preposition ('to', 'into', 'out of'). Unlike 'take', this sense emphasises guidance and courtesy rather than simply transporting someone.
常見錯誤
13. to unintentionally reveal a feeling, quality, or secret through one's appearance
流露；洩露
不自覺地洩漏原本隱藏的感受
to unintentionally reveal a feeling, quality, or secret through one's appearance, voice, or body language, even while trying to keep it hidden
Walid tried to stay calm, but his shaking hands clearly showed his anxiety.
Walid 努力保持冷靜，但他顫抖的雙手清楚顯露出他的焦慮。
show + emotion: shaking hands showed his anxiety
The old letter showed clear signs of water damage after being stored in the attic.
那封舊信顯示出明顯的水漬痕跡，因為它在閣樓裡存放了很久。
show + sign of [damage/age/use]
Nia tried to sound cheerful on the phone, but her voice showed that she was exhausted.
Nia 在電話上盡量讓聲音聽起來開心，但她的語氣流露出她已經筋疲力盡。
Amina tried to hide her nervousness, but her trembling voice showed how worried she really felt about the exam results.
Amina 試圖隱藏她的緊張，但她顫抖的聲音洩漏了她對考試結果的憂慮。
Carlos insisted everything was fine, but the dark circles under his eyes showed his exhaustion from working seventy-hour weeks.
Carlos 堅持一切安好，但他眼睛下方的黑眼圈透露了他每週工作七十小時的疲憊。
文法句型
show + noun phrase
show + that-clause
用法筆記
Used when a person's body language, facial expression, or voice unintentionally gives away a concealed emotion. The subject is typically the person's face, voice, hands, or behaviour rather than the person acting deliberately. Distinguish from sense 5 (EXPRESS FEELINGS) — sense 5 describes deliberate, intentional communication of emotions through words or chosen actions; sense 13 describes involuntary leakage that happens despite attempts to hide how one truly feels.
常見錯誤
14. to direct someone's attention to something specific by pointing it out or indica
指出；指點
引導他人注意特定事物
to direct someone's attention to something specific by pointing it out or indicating where it is, without teaching a hands-on skill
The mechanic showed Kenji how to check the oil level under the bonnet.
技師向 Kenji 示範如何檢查引擎蓋下方的機油量。
show + indirect object + how to + verb
A kind passenger showed Tanvi where to get off the bus for the museum.
一位好心的乘客告訴 Tanvi 在哪一站下車可以去博物館。
show + indirect object + where + clause
The head teacher showed the new students the correct way to organise their lockers.
校長向新生示範整理置物櫃的正確方法。
The tour guide showed our group the exact spot where the old town wall once stood.
導遊指給我們看古城牆曾經矗立的位置。
A short training video showed the staff what to do in case of a fire alarm.
一支簡短的訓練影片向員工說明發生火災警報時該怎麼做。
- demonstrate
more formal; often with physical action or equipment
- explain
focus on words rather than visual guidance
- point out
less formal; used when directing attention to a specific detail
文法句型
show + indirect object + how to + verb
show + indirect object + noun phrase
show + indirect object + where/what/who + clause
用法筆記
This sense directs someone's attention to a specific thing — a location, a detail, a piece of information. Unlike sense 3 (DEMONSTRATE HOW), which involves teaching a hands-on skill by physically performing it, sense 14 is about pointing out or indicating something without teaching the person how to do it themselves. Common with noun phrase objects (the spot, the way, the name) or where-clauses.
常見錯誤
15. to secure one of the first three finishing spots in competitive horse racing
跑進前三名
賽馬中獲得前三名
to secure one of the first three finishing spots in competitive horse racing
The chestnut mare showed in the third race at Cheltenham last Saturday.
那匹栗色母馬上週六在切爾滕納姆的第三場比賽中跑進前三名。
show in + [race/event]
Bao's horse showed in two consecutive races at the local track last month.
Bao 的馬匹上個月在當地賽道連續兩場比賽都跑進前三名。
Very few young untested horses show in their first competitive race.
很少有年輕且未經考驗的馬匹能在初次參賽就跑進前三名。
The trainer was delighted that her horse showed at Royal Ascot this summer.
馴馬師很開心，她的馬今年夏天在皇家雅士谷賽馬會中跑進了前三名。
- place
in horse racing, 'place' can mean finishing first or second depending on the betting system; 'show' specifically means third or top three
- come third
more general, not specific to racing jargon
文法句型
show + in [race/event]
show + at [location]
用法筆記
Primarily used in horse racing journalism and betting contexts. The subject is always a horse (or another racing animal such as a greyhound). In American usage, 'show' means finishing third; in British usage it can mean finishing in the top three positions.
常見錯誤
shows — 名詞
- showssingular
- showsesplural
1. a form of entertainment that people watch, for example a play on a stage, a prog
表演；節目
在舞台或電視上的娛樂演出
a form of entertainment that people watch, for example a play on a stage, a programme on television, or a concert with live music
My favourite TV show comes on every Friday evening at eight o'clock.
我最喜歡的電視節目每週五晚上八點播出。
collocation: TV show
The local theatre is putting on a show about the history of the town.
當地劇院正在上演一齣關於小鎮歷史的表演。
collocation: put on a show
Esteban bought tickets for the comedy show at the city hall next month.
Esteban 買了下個月在市政廳舉行的喜劇表演的門票。
Children's TV shows often teach simple lessons about sharing and kindness.
兒童電視節目經常教導關於分享和善良的簡單道理。
We watched a show on Netflix about chefs cooking in different countries.
我們在 Netflix 上看了一個節目，介紹廚師在不同國家做菜。
- performance
more general; used for any act of entertaining an audience
- programme
mainly British; specific to TV or radio
- production
emphasises the staging and creative work behind a show
文法句型
a/the show
TV show
talk show
用法筆記
Commonly used with TV, radio, or talk to specify the type of entertainment.
常見錯誤
2. a public event where items or goods are arranged so that visitors can look at th
展覽；展會
公開展示物品供人參觀的活動
a public event where items or goods are arranged so that visitors can look at them, often to inform, promote, or sell
The art show at the museum featured paintings by young local artists.
博物館的藝術展展出了年輕本地畫家的作品。
collocation: art show
Caleb visited a flower show in the park where gardeners displayed their roses.
Caleb 參觀了公園裡的花展，園藝師們展示了他們的玫瑰花。
The international car show attracted thousands of visitors to the convention centre.
國際車展吸引了數千名遊客前往會展中心。
Yumi entered her dog in a pet show and won second prize.
Yumi 帶她的狗參加寵物展並贏得了第二名。
A furniture show at the shopping mall had new sofas for people to try.
購物中心的傢俱展有新的沙發供民眾試坐。
- exhibition
more formal; often used for art, museums, and trade fairs
- exposition
formal; mainly for large trade or industry events
- display
can be smaller or less formal than a show
文法句型
a/the show
flower show
art show
car show
用法筆記
Often combined with a noun that names what is being exhibited: flower show, art show, dog show, trade show.
3. placed somewhere where people can come and see it; available for public viewing
展出中
放在公開場所供人參觀
placed somewhere where people can come and see it; available for public viewing
The museum has the ancient jewels on show for the first time this year.
博物館今年首次展出這些古代珠寶。
phrase: be on show
All the new products were on show at the trade fair last week.
上週所有新產品都在貿易展上展出。
The artist's paintings will be on show at the gallery until Sunday.
這位藝術家的畫作將在畫廊展出至週日。
Rare flowers from around the world are on show in the greenhouse this spring.
今年春天，溫室裡展出來自世界各地的稀有花卉。
- on display
very similar; equally common and interchangeable in most contexts
- on exhibit
more formal; used in museum contexts
- in storage
not available for public viewing
文法句型
be on show
put something on show
用法筆記
Only used in the fixed phrase 'on show'. Unlike sense 2 (EXHIBITION), this refers to the state of being displayed, not the event itself.
常見錯誤
4. the highest group of teams in US professional baseball, where the best players c
大聯盟
美國職業棒球的最高級別
the highest group of teams in US professional baseball, where the best players compete
After three excellent seasons, the pitcher was called up to the show.
在三個出色的賽季之後，那位投手被叫上了大聯盟。
phrase: called up to the show
Young baseball players dream of one day playing in the show.
年輕的棒球選手夢想有一天能在大聯盟打球。
Noor's grandfather played in the show for the Chicago Cubs in the 1990s.
Noor 的祖父在 1990 年代為芝加哥小熊隊在大聯盟打球。
The coach told the rookie he had the talent to make the show within two years.
教練告訴那位新人，他有天賦能在兩年內晉升大聯盟。
- the majors
equally common informal term for the same thing
- Major League Baseball
the full official name; more formal
- the minors
lower-level professional baseball leagues
文法句型
the show
make the show
reach the show
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article 'the'. This sense is almost exclusively used in US baseball contexts and is rare outside North America.
常見錯誤
5. something you do that lets other people see what you are feeling, what you belie
表示；表現
讓他人看到自己感受的行為
something you do that lets other people see what you are feeling, what you believe, or what kind of person you are — for example, cheering to show excitement or clapping to show appreciation
Tanvi made a great show of gratitude when she received the award.
Tanvi 在接受獎項時大大地表示了她的感激之情。
pattern: show of + emotion noun
The children's show of excitement was clear from their loud cheering.
孩子們興奮的表現從他們大聲的歡呼中顯而易見。
A public show of support can make a big difference to someone in trouble.
公開表示支持可以對陷入困境的人產生很大的影響。
Kasia's show of sadness surprised everyone who knew her cheerful nature.
Kasia 悲傷的表現讓所有認識她樂觀個性的人都感到驚訝。
The crowd's show of anger forced the speaker to stop and leave the stage.
群眾憤怒的表現迫使演講者停止發言並離開舞台。
- display
very similar; slightly more formal
- demonstration
more deliberate and often public; can be planned
- expression
broader; can refer to words or facial signs rather than actions
- concealment
the act of hiding one's feelings
文法句型
a show of + emotion noun
make a show of + noun
用法筆記
Commonly followed by 'of' and an emotion noun: show of support, show of strength, show of gratitude. Distinguish from sense 7 (noun_b2) where 'show' means an insincere or pretended appearance.
常見錯誤
6. the way a piece of work or an activity appears in terms of the effort someone se
模樣
活動所呈現出的費力程度
the way a piece of work or an activity appears in terms of the effort someone seems to have put into it
The team made a good show of trying, even though they lost the game.
這支球隊表現出很努力的樣子，儘管他們輸掉了比賽。
pattern: make a good show of
His essay was a poor show of research — he had used only two sources.
他的論文在研究方面表現得很差——他只用了兩個參考資料。
The students put on a splendid show of dancing at the school concert.
學生們在學校音樂會上的舞蹈表演非常出色。
Considering the short deadline, it was a fair show of work from the team.
考慮到期限很短，團隊的工作表現還算不錯。
Jessica's painting was a remarkable show of skill for someone her age.
Jessica 的畫作在她這個年紀展現了非凡的技巧。
- display
more neutral; can be used for any visible demonstration
- exhibition
more formal and often implies a higher level of skill
文法句型
a good/great/poor show of + noun
make a show of + noun
用法筆記
Often preceded by an adjective describing quality: good show, poor show, fair show. Can be slightly informal or evaluative in tone.
7. Behaviour or speech that creates a particular impression in others, but does not
做態
不真誠的表面姿態
Behaviour or speech that creates a particular impression in others, but does not honestly reflect what a person truly thinks or feels.
Kwame made a show of being angry at the decision, but secretly he was relieved.
Kwame 對這個決定表現出一副生氣的模樣，但其實他鬆了一口氣。
a show of + being/feeling + adjective
Mei's warm offer of help was just a show of sympathy; she never did anything.
Mei 表示願意幫忙只是故作同情，實際上什麼也沒做。
Under a show of calm confidence, Sofia was actually very nervous about the job interview.
Sofia 表面裝作冷靜自信，但對工作面試其實非常緊張。
The company made a show of supporting local charities, but few donations were ever made.
這家公司表面上支持本地慈善機構，但實際上捐款很少。
文法句型
a show of + noun
用法筆記
Often used with the verb 'make' (make a show of something) or after prepositions (under/beneath a show of). The focus is on the gap between appearance and reality.
常見錯誤
8. Describing an object or arrangement that has no real practical use and exists on
擺設
僅供展示無實際用途
Describing an object or arrangement that has no real practical use and exists only to look attractive or to impress other people.
The leather-bound books on his shelf were purely for show; he never opened them.
他書架上的皮面書純粹是擺設，他一本也沒翻開過。
be + for show (fixed phrase)
Those cushions are only for show; nobody is allowed to sit on them.
那些靠墊只是擺著好看，不准任何人坐上去。
The company's recycling policy was mostly for show, with no real environmental benefit.
公司的回收政策多半只是做做樣子，並沒有實際的環保效益。
Diego realised the art in the lobby was just for show, meant to impress clients.
Diego 發現大廳裡那幅昂貴的藝術品只是裝飾用的，目的是讓來訪的客戶留下印象。
- decorative
Does not carry the negative suggestion of insincerity; 'for show' implies deliberate impression-making.
- ornamental
Neutral term for objects whose main purpose is looking attractive, not useful.
- practical
Describes something that has real usefulness rather than just appearance.
- functional
Something that actually works or serves a purpose.
文法句型
be + for show
用法筆記
This sense only appears in the fixed expression 'for show'. It cannot be used freely as a regular noun (e.g. ❌ 'the show of the vase'). The expression can describe both physical objects and abstract things like rules or promises.
常見錯誤
9. A piece of work, an event, or a business, especially when considered from the pe
局面；事務
由某人主導的工作或業務
A piece of work, an event, or a business, especially when considered from the perspective of who organises it or makes the important decisions.
Ananya has run the whole show at the clinic since the director retired last year.
自去年主任退休後，Ananya 就一直負責診所的大小事務。
run the show (idiomatic phrase)
The charity dinner was Fatima's show; she handled every problem with skill.
那場慈善晚宴是 Fatima 主辦的，她順利解決了每一個問題。
possessive + show (someone's show)
Kwame's catering company ran the whole show for the wedding reception without any problems.
Kwame 的餐飲公司為婚宴包辦了所有事務，一點問題也沒有。
When the manager left, the whole show fell apart within two weeks.
經理一離開，整個局面在兩週內就瓦解了。
- operation
More formal and less idiomatic — 'show' in this sense is distinctly informal.
- affair
Similar informal tone but broader in meaning.
- enterprise
Often implies a commercial or ambitious undertaking.
文法句型
possessive + show
run the show
用法筆記
This sense is informal and typically used in the expressions 'run the show', 'someone's show', or 'the whole show'. Do not use it in formal writing about business management.
常見錯誤
10. A small quantity of blood mixed with mucus that is discharged from the vagina wh
現紅；見紅
分娩前陰道排出的帶血黏液
A small quantity of blood mixed with mucus that is discharged from the vagina when a pregnant woman's body is preparing for labour to begin.
When Emma noticed a show early in the morning, she called the midwife immediately.
Emma 一大早發現見紅後，立刻打電話給助產士。
notice/have a show (verb + show)
The midwife said having a show means labour may start within two days.
助產士說，出現現紅代表生產可能在兩天內開始。
Samira had a show at lunchtime and gave birth to a healthy boy that evening.
Samira 中午出現現紅，當天晚上就順利產下了一名健康的男嬰。
Not every woman has a show before labour, but it is a common early sign.
並非每個產婦在生產前都會現紅，但這是常見的早期徵兆之一。
- bloody show
The full medical term for the same phenomenon.
文法句型
a show
have a show
用法筆記
This is a technical term used mainly by doctors, midwives, and pregnant people preparing for childbirth. The full medical term is 'bloody show'. It is different from a mucus plug, though the two may occur together.