演讲

• Pinyin: yǎn jiǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 演 = 氵 (water radical) + 寅 (phonetic), to perform or demonstrate; 讲 = 讠 (speech radical) + 井 (well, phonetic), to speak or explain

Meaning

To give a speech; to deliver a lecture. Also used as a noun meaning a speech or address.

Refers to a formal public address delivered to an audience, whether at a ceremony, competition, or conference. Used as both a verb (演讲比赛 — speech competition) and a noun (一次精彩的演讲 — an outstanding speech). Similar to 讲演 but 演讲 is more common in modern usage.

Examples

1. 他在毕业典礼上做了一次令人感动的演讲。 He gave a moving speech at the graduation ceremony.
2. 这位教授的演讲内容丰富，吸引了很多听众。 This professor's speech was rich in content and attracted many listeners.
3. 她参加了学校的演讲比赛，最终获得了第一名。 She participated in the school speech competition and ultimately won first place.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, professional, public

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他在大会上做了一次精彩的演讲。(He gave an outstanding speech at the conference.)
• 准备一篇好的演讲需要大量练习。(Preparing a good speech requires a great deal of practice.)

Don't Say

• 把'演讲'用于很随意的发言 (Don't use 演讲 for a casual remark or brief comment — it implies a prepared, formal address to an audience)

Origin & History

A compound of 演 (to perform/demonstrate, from 氵 water + 寅 phonetic) and 讲 (to speak/explain, from 讠 speech + 井 well/phonetic). Together they describe a formal public speaking performance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal