Chinese word

演

Pronunciation

Pinyinyǎn

Meaning

  • verbact

Example

她想在学校里演一出话剧。tā xiǎng zài xué xiào lǐ yǎn yì chū huà jù

She wants to act in a play at school.

Illustration for 演 (act)

More examples

他在电影里扮演了反派。tā zài diàn yǐng lǐ bàn yǎn le fǎn pài

He played the villain in the movie.

Core concept

Bring words, actions, or skills into public view so an audience can follow or experience them.

Common phrases

  • 扮演角色bàn yǎn jué sè

    play a role

  • 演出yǎn chū

    stage

  • 演戏yǎn xì

    act

Similar words

表演biáo yǎn: Giving a public performance of a song, show, or skill.
扮演bàn yǎn: Taking the part of a particular person or character.
演奏yǎn zòu: Playing music on an instrument for listeners.

Definition in Chinese

通过动作或声音向观众展示某种内容或才能，包括演讲、演奏、表演等多种具体方式的表现。tōng guò dòng zuò huò shēng yīn xiàng guān zhòng zhǎn shì móu zhǒng nèi róng huò cái néng bāo kuò yán jiǎng yǎn zòu biáo yǎn děng duō zhǒng jù tǐ fāng shì de biǎo xiàn

Word origin

演 (yǎn, "to perform") originally described water spreading in a long flow; this image of extension led to meanings of unfolding, developing, and presenting something to others.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear act as mainly theatrical, but this verb also fits a speech, a concert, or a public display of skill.

Other meanings

  • stageverb
  • portrayverb

Related words

Word lists with this word