戏

• Pinyin: xì
• Hanzi breakdown: 戏 = 又 (again) + 戈 (weapon), originally referring to martial arts performance

Meaning

Play; opera; show; drama; game.

A versatile word for theatrical performances, especially traditional Chinese opera (京戏, 戏曲). Also used for films and TV (戏份 = screen time, 演戏 = to act). Colloquially can mean joking around (开玩笑/逗着玩). The character carries connotations of performance, entertainment, and sometimes deception.

Examples

1. 爷爷年轻时特别爱听京戏，现在还经常哼两句。 Grandpa loved listening to Peking opera when he was young, and he still hums a few lines now and then.
2. 她在这部电影里的戏份虽然不多，但演得很出彩。 Although her screen time in this movie isn't much, her performance really stands out.
3. 别跟我演戏了，我知道你在想什么。 Stop acting with me — I know what you're thinking.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, traditional culture, everyday

Tone: varied

Do Say

• 唱戏/听戏。(To perform/listen to opera.)
• 这出戏很精彩。(This play is wonderful.)

Don't Say

• 我们去看一个戏 in formal writing — 一出戏 or 一场戏 uses the proper measure word for plays

Origin & History

Originally depicted a war game or contest. Extended to theatrical performances and entertainment over time.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal