播

• Pinyin: bō
• Hanzi breakdown: 播 = 扌(hand) + 番, to scatter/broadcast

Meaning

To broadcast; to sow; to spread. The action of transmitting content or scattering seeds.

Has two main meanings: (1) to broadcast or air media content (播放 to play, 直播 livestream, 广播 broadcast); (2) to sow seeds (播种). The broadcasting meaning is far more common in modern usage. Also used figuratively for spreading ideas or influence.

Examples

1. 这个节目每周六晚上八点播出。 This program airs every Saturday at 8 PM.
2. 农民们正在田里播种小麦。 The farmers are sowing wheat in the fields.
3. 他在网上直播自己的游戏过程，吸引了很多粉丝。 He livestreams his gaming sessions online and has attracted many fans.

Usage Guide

Context: media, agriculture, internet

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 电视正在播新闻。(The TV is broadcasting news.)
• 这首歌被各大平台播了无数遍。(This song has been played countless times on all major platforms.)

Don't Say

• 不要混淆'播'和'放' (While both can mean 'to play,' 播 emphasizes broadcasting/transmission, while 放 is more general for playing any content)

Origin & History

Originally meant to scatter or sow seeds. Extended to broadcasting as media technology developed, conceptualizing transmission as 'scattering' content to audiences.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal