表扬 (biǎo yáng) is a verb meaning 'to praise' or 'to commend' — typically for someone’s good behavior, achievement, or effort. The first character 表 (biǎo) means 'to show, express, or display', and the second character 扬 (yáng) means 'to raise up, lift, or promote'. Together, they literally convey the idea of 'raising up and making visible' someone’s positive qualities or actions — hence, public or sincere recognition. It is commonly used in educational, workplace, and family settings, especially by authority figures like teachers, managers, or parents.

This word carries a formal yet warm tone and implies moral or social approval. Unlike casual praise like 夸 (kuā), 表扬 suggests thoughtful acknowledgment, often accompanied by encouragement or as part of constructive feedback. It is rarely used reflexively or in self-praise contexts, and it usually takes a person or action as its object (e.g., 表扬他, 表扬这种精神). The noun form ('praise') is also common, especially after measure words like 一番 or 一次.