道具

• Pinyin: dào jù
• Hanzi breakdown: 道 = 辶 + 首 (way, path); 具 = 目 + 廾 (tool, implement)

Meaning

Prop; stage property; theatrical accessory. A noun referring to objects used in film, theatre, or other performances to create atmosphere or aid storytelling.

Used in film production, theatre, magic shows, and photography. A dedicated 道具师 (prop master) manages props on professional sets. Can also refer metaphorically to something used as a pretext or mere instrument.

Examples

1. 剧组的道具师精心准备了数百件历史道具，力求还原真实的朝代风貌。 The prop master carefully prepared hundreds of historical props, striving to recreate the authentic look and feel of the era.
2. 这场魔术表演的所有道具均由魔术师本人亲手制作而成。 All the props for this magic show were handmade by the magician himself.
3. 道具的精良程度直接影响了整部影片最终的视觉效果。 The quality of the props directly affects the film’s final visual impact.

Usage Guide

Context: film, theatre, arts

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 道具准备好了吗？(Are the props ready?)
• 这是拍摄用的道具。(This is a filming prop.)

Don't Say

• 他把我当道具 in formal writing — use 工具 or 手段 when meaning treating someone as an instrument in non-theatrical contexts

Origin & History

道 (way, path; theatrical tradition) + 具 (tool, implement). Together referring to the tools and objects used in performance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal