出道

• Pinyin: chū dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 出 = to emerge/exit; 道 = 辶 (movement) + 首 (head) = path/way

Meaning

To debut; to make one's professional debut (especially in entertainment).

Originally from Japanese entertainment industry terminology. Now widely used in Chinese pop culture for celebrities, especially singers and actors, starting their public careers.

Examples

1. 她十六岁就出道当歌手了。 She debuted as a singer at sixteen.
2. 这个男团去年刚出道就火遍全国。 This boy band just debuted last year and became famous nationwide.
3. 出道二十年，他依然保持着对音乐的热爱。 Twenty years since his debut, he still maintains his passion for music.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, music, celebrity

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她是选秀节目出道的。(She debuted through a talent show.)
• 出道作品就获得了大奖。(Her debut work won a major award.)

Don't Say

• 我出道当工程师了 (出道 is mainly for entertainment — use 入行 or 开始工作 for regular professions)

Origin & History

Borrowed from Japanese 出道 (debut). 出 means to emerge; 道 means path/way. Entering one's professional path.

Cultural Context

Generation: Younger generations

Social background: Universal