影片

• Pinyin: yǐng piàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 影 = 景 (scenery) + 彡 (strokes suggesting light/shadow), meaning 'shadow/image'; 片 = pictograph of a thin slice

Meaning

Film; movie. A motion picture or cinematic work.

A slightly more formal word for 'movie' compared to the everyday 电影. Often used in reviews, news, and discussions about cinema. Can refer to movies, documentaries, and short films. Common in phrases like 影片介绍 (film introduction).

Examples

1. 这部影片获得了很多奖。 This film has won many awards.
2. 我昨天看了一部很感人的影片。 I watched a very moving film yesterday.
3. 这部影片讲的是一个真实的故事。 This film tells a true story.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, culture, media

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这部影片值得一看。(This film is worth watching.)
• 你最喜欢哪部影片？(Which film is your favourite?)

Don't Say

• 我们去影片吧。(Don't use 影片 as a place — say 我们去看电影吧 or 去电影院. 影片 refers to the film itself, not the cinema.)

Origin & History

Compound of 影 (shadow/image) and 片 (piece/film), literally 'shadow piece' — referring to the projected images on screen.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal