演

• Pinyin: yǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 演 = 氵 (water) + 寅 (tiger; phonetic component)

Meaning

To perform; to act; to play a role. A versatile verb used for theatrical, cinematic, and general performative contexts.

Used broadly to describe performing or acting in plays, films, TV shows, or other artistic productions. It can stand alone or combine with other characters to form compound words like 演出 (perform), 演员 (actor), and 表演 (perform/show). In casual speech, it can also imply pretending or putting on an act.

Examples

1. 这部电影是谁演的？ Who starred in this film?
2. 他在学校的话剧里演了一个老人。 He played an old man in the school play.
3. 她演得特别好，大家都很感动。 She performed so well that everyone was moved.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他在这部电视剧里演医生。(He plays a doctor in this TV drama.)
• 你觉得谁演得最好？(Who do you think acted the best?)

Don't Say

• 她演一首歌。(Don't use 演 for singing — use 唱 instead. 演 is for acting or performing roles, not singing.)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'to flow' or 'to spread', from the water radical 氵. The meaning evolved from 'to spread/display' to 'to perform/demonstrate'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal