歌星

• Pinyin: gē xīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 歌 = song; 星 = 日 (sun) + 生 (life), meaning star — together 'singing star'

Meaning

Pop star; singing star. A famous singer, especially in popular music.

Refers to celebrity singers in popular music, especially pop and rock. More casual than 歌唱家 (classical vocalist) or 歌手 (singer in general). Often used for idols and entertainment industry celebrities. Related: 影星 (movie star), 明星 (star/celebrity), 偶像 (idol).

Examples

1. 这位歌星的演唱会门票在十分钟内就售罄了。 This pop star's concert tickets sold out within ten minutes.
2. 很多年轻人梦想成为歌星，但这条路并不容易。 Many young people dream of becoming pop stars, but this path is not easy.
3. 她是九十年代最红的歌星之一，至今仍有大批粉丝。 She was one of the hottest pop stars of the nineties and still has a huge fan base today.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, media, pop culture

Tone: colloquial

Do Say

• 她是我最喜欢的歌星。(She's my favorite pop star.)
• 这位歌星很有才华。(This pop star is very talented.)

Don't Say

• 把古典音乐家叫歌星 (Don't call classical musicians 歌星 — use 歌唱家 or 艺术家; 歌星 is for pop culture)

Origin & History

Compound of 歌 (song) + 星 (star). Modeled after 明星 (star), combining the field (singing) with the metaphor of stardom.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal