表演

• Pinyin: biǎo yǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 表 = 衣 (clothing) + 毛 (fur), meaning to express; 演 = 氵(water) + 寅 (extend), meaning to perform or evolve

Meaning

To perform; performance; show. Refers to performing on stage, in film, or demonstrating a skill for an audience.

Used for theatrical, musical, dance, or other artistic performances. Can also refer to demonstrations of skills like martial arts or magic. As a noun, it means the performance itself.

Examples

1. 今天晚上有一场精彩的表演。 There is a wonderful performance tonight.
2. 她从小就喜欢在舞台上表演。 She has loved performing on stage since she was little.
3. 同学们为老师们表演了一个节目。 The classmates performed a programme for the teachers.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, arts, school, everyday

Tone: lively

Do Say

• 这个表演太精彩了！(This performance was amazing!)
• 他们正在准备春节晚会的表演。(They are preparing a performance for the Spring Festival gala.)

Don't Say

• 他表演了一个好人 (Don't use 表演 to mean pretending to be something in daily life — use 假装 or 装作 instead. 表演 implies a stage or artistic performance)

Origin & History

Compound of 表 (to express) and 演 (to perform, act), literally 'to express through performance.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal