专辑

• Pinyin: zhuān jí
• Hanzi breakdown: 专 = simplified from 專, originally a spindle (specialized tool); 辑 = 车 (vehicle) + 咠 (whisper) — to collect

Meaning

Album. A collection of songs, photographs, or other works released together as a single unit, especially a music album.

Most commonly used for music albums, but can also refer to photo albums or special collections in magazines and publications. In the digital age, also used for online music releases.

Examples

1. 她的新专辑下个月就要发行了。 Her new album will be released next month.
2. 这张专辑收录了他最经典的十首歌曲。 This album includes his ten most classic songs.
3. 我特别喜欢这位歌手的第一张专辑。 I especially love this singer's first album.

Usage Guide

Context: music, entertainment, media

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你听过他的最新专辑吗？(Have you listened to his latest album?)
• 这张专辑在全球销量突破百万。(This album has sold over a million copies worldwide.)

Don't Say

• 说'我买了一个专辑'用量词'个' (Don't use 个 as the measure word for 专辑 — use 张 instead: 一张专辑)

Origin & History

专 (exclusive, specialized) + 辑 (to compile, to collect). Together they mean a specially compiled collection.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal