演唱

• Pinyin: yǎn chàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 演 = 氵 (water) + 寅 (phonetic); 唱 = 口 (mouth) + 昌 (prosperous, phonetic)

Meaning

To sing in a performance; to give a vocal performance. Used for formal or staged singing contexts.

A more formal alternative to 唱, specifically referring to singing as part of a performance, concert, or public event. It implies a degree of professionalism or stage presence. Commonly paired with 会 to form 演唱会 (concert).

Examples

1. 她在晚会上演唱了一首经典歌曲。 She sang a classic song at the evening gala.
2. 这位歌手将在下周演唱三首新歌。 This singer will perform three new songs next week.
3. 他们一起演唱了一首很好听的歌。 They sang a beautiful song together.

Usage Guide

Context: music, performance, entertainment

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 她昨晚在音乐会上演唱了三首歌。(She sang three songs at the concert last night.)
• 这首歌由著名歌手演唱。(This song is performed by a famous singer.)

Don't Say

• 我在家里演唱歌。(Don't use 演唱 for casual singing at home — use 唱 instead. 演唱 implies a formal performance setting.)

Origin & History

演 (perform) + 唱 (sing). The combination specifies singing as a form of performance, distinguishing it from casual singing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal