出演

• Pinyin: chū yǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 出 = to appear; 演 = 氵 (water) + 寅 (phonetic) = to perform

Meaning

To appear in (a film, play, or performance); to act in; to star in.

Used when discussing roles in films, TV shows, theater, or other performances. More formal than 演, emphasizes the act of appearing or participating in a production.

Examples

1. 她在这部电影中出演女主角。 She plays the female lead in this film.
2. 这位老艺术家很少出演商业片。 This veteran artist rarely appears in commercial films.
3. 他拒绝出演这个有争议的角色。 He refused to play this controversial role.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, film, theater

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他出演过很多经典电影。(He has appeared in many classic films.)
• 这是她首次出演话剧。(This is her first time appearing in a stage play.)

Don't Say

• 我出演了一首歌 (Use 演唱 for singing — 出演 is for acting/performing a role)

Origin & History

Compound of 出 (to appear/come out) and 演 (to act/perform). To come out and perform.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal