摄像

• Pinyin: shè xiàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 摄 = 扌(hand) + 聂 (whisper, phonetic); 像 = 亻(person) + 象 (elephant/image)

Meaning

To record video; videography; video recording.

Refers specifically to recording moving images (video), as opposed to 摄影 which traditionally means still photography. Used as a verb (to film) or as part of compounds like 摄像机 (video camera). Common in professional and everyday contexts.

Examples

1. 婚礼的摄像工作由专业团队负责。 A professional team is responsible for the wedding videography.
2. 请注意，这里正在摄像，不要大声喧哗。 Please note that video recording is in progress here — don't make loud noises.
3. 他从业余摄像爱好者成长为专业导演。 He grew from an amateur videography enthusiast into a professional director.

Usage Guide

Context: media, events, security

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 谁来负责摄像？(Who's in charge of videography?)
• 这里有摄像头，注意言行。(There are cameras here — watch what you say and do.)

Don't Say

• 我摄像了一张照片 — for still photos, use 拍照 or 摄影; 摄像 is for video

Origin & History

Compound of 摄 (take/absorb) + 像 (image), meaning to capture images (specifically moving images).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal