The word 表示 is formed through the complementary combination of two characters, each contributing a core aspect of the overall meaning. The first character, 表, originally picturing fur worn outward, carries the core idea of "to show" or "to manifest" something on the surface or externally. It is paired with 示, which means "to indicate", "to demonstrate", or "to instruct", adding a layer of making a meaning or intention clearly known. Together, they form a compound where 表 provides the action of outward expression and 示 specifies the purpose of that expression, to point something out or make it evident, thus synthesizing the complete concept of "to express" or "to indicate".