节目

• Pinyin: jié mù
• Hanzi breakdown: 节 (jié) — section, segment; 目 (mù) — item, eye

Meaning

Program; show. Refers to a TV show, radio program, stage performance, or any scheduled entertainment.

Broadly covers any form of organized entertainment or broadcast content: television programs, variety shows, talent shows, radio broadcasts, and live performances. 节目单 means a program schedule or playbill.

Examples

1. 今天晚上有什么好看的节目？ Are there any good programs on tonight?
2. 这个节目很有意思。 This show is very interesting.
3. 她在电视节目里唱了一首歌。 She sang a song on a TV program.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, TV, everyday

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你喜欢看什么节目？(What programs do you like to watch?)
• 这个节目每周六播出。(This show airs every Saturday.)

Don't Say

• 不要把电影叫节目 (Don't call a movie a 节目 — use 电影; 节目 is for TV shows, variety programs, and live performances)

Origin & History

Compound of 节 (section, segment) and 目 (item, entry). Originally referred to individual items on a performance program list.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal