胶片

• Pinyin: jiāo piàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 胶 = gelatin, film base; 片 = flat piece, strip

Meaning

Film; photographic film. The light-sensitive material used in traditional cameras and movie projectors.

Refers to both still photography film and motion picture film. In the digital age, often evokes nostalgia for analog photography. Also used metaphorically to describe a visual record or sequence of images, as in 人生的胶片 (the film of life).

Examples

1. 虽然数码相机已经普及，但仍有摄影师坚持使用胶片拍摄。 Although digital cameras are now widespread, some photographers still insist on shooting with film.
2. 这卷胶片拍的是我们大学毕业旅行的照片。 This roll of film has photos from our college graduation trip.
3. 老电影的胶片需要特殊条件保存，否则会损坏。 Old movie film requires special conditions for preservation, otherwise it will deteriorate.

Usage Guide

Context: photography, film, nostalgia

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 胶片摄影有独特的质感。(Film photography has a unique texture.)
• 这台相机用的是35毫米胶片。(This camera uses 35mm film.)

Don't Say

• 用'胶片'描述数码照片 (Don't use 胶片 for digital photos — it means physical film; use 数码照片 or 电子照片 for digital)

Origin & History

Composed of 胶 (glue; gelatin) + 片 (slice; piece). Refers to the gelatin-based strips used in photography.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal