Radical 衣

8 strokes

錶

plant (133a) + dress (436a) = indicator 表

This character can mean “to show” or “a surface”, and is used for any chart such as a timetable; also for an instrument such as a gauge, meter or wristwatch (only for the last of these meanings does the traditional form apply).

表示 (430) biǎoshì show, indicate

手表 (31) shǒubiǎo wrist watch

表现 (215) biǎoxiàn display, show

[发表 (146) fābiǎo publish, publicize]

[表面 (313) biǎomiàn a surface]

[表明 (77) biǎomíng make clear, demonstrate]

The little girl puts an old dress on a plant in her front garden, as an indicator of which house is holding the birthday party. / Two teddies stand on either side of the front gate, bowing to guests as they arrive.

Notice that the second stroke has a “barb” (120a), and notice the order for writing the last two strokes.