相声

• Pinyin: xiàng sheng
• Hanzi breakdown: 相 = 木 (tree) + 目 (eye), meaning mutual; 声 = 士 (scholar) + 殳 (weapon) simplified, meaning sound

Meaning

Crosstalk; a traditional Chinese comedic performance art featuring witty dialogue between performers.

A form of traditional Chinese comedy originating in Beijing, typically performed by two people (对口相声) exchanging rapid dialogue full of puns, satire, and wordplay. Can also be performed solo (单口相声) or by a group (群口相声). Major figures include Hou Baolin and Guo Degang.

Examples

1. 春节晚会上的相声节目特别搞笑。 The crosstalk performance at the Spring Festival Gala was especially funny.
2. 他从小就喜欢听相声，现在自己也能说几段了。 He has loved listening to crosstalk since childhood, and now he can perform a few pieces himself.
3. 德云社的相声在年轻人中很受欢迎。 Deyun Society's crosstalk is very popular among young people.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, culture

Tone: humorous

Do Say

• 你喜欢听相声吗？(Do you like listening to crosstalk?)
• 这段相声包袱抖得很好。(This crosstalk delivers the punchlines really well.)

Don't Say

• 做相声 (Use 说相声 for performing crosstalk, not 做相声)

Origin & History

Compound of 相 (mutual) and 声 (sound/voice), referring to the call-and-response nature of the dialogue.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal