编剧

• Pinyin: biān jù
• Hanzi breakdown: 编 = 纟 (silk/thread) + 扁 (flat); 剧 = 豦 (pig) + 刂 (knife)

Meaning

Screenwriter; playwright; scriptwriter.

Refers to the person who writes scripts for films, TV shows, or stage plays. Can also refer to the profession or the act of screenwriting. In the Chinese entertainment industry, screenwriters often have less recognition than directors or actors.

Examples

1. 这部电视剧的编剧是个年轻人，才二十八岁就写出了爆款剧本。 The screenwriter of this TV series is a young person — only 28 years old and already created a hit script.
2. 他原来是小说家，后来转行做了编剧，写了好几部热播剧。 He was originally a novelist but later switched careers to become a screenwriter and wrote several popular dramas.
3. 好的编剧能让平淡的故事变得引人入胜。 A good screenwriter can make an ordinary story captivating.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, media, creative

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 这部电影的编剧是谁？(Who's the screenwriter of this film?)
• 她是个很有才华的编剧。(She's a very talented screenwriter.)

Don't Say

• 把小说作家直接叫编剧 (Don't call a novelist 编剧 unless they write scripts — that's 作家 or 小说家)

Origin & History

编 (compose) + 剧 (drama). One who composes dramas.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal