开场白

• Pinyin: kāi chǎng bái
• Hanzi breakdown: 开场 = to begin an event; 白 = white, but here means to speak/words (theatrical term)

Meaning

Opening remarks; prologue; icebreaker.

The introductory words at the beginning of a speech, performance, conversation, or meeting. Sets the tone and introduces what's to come. Can also refer to a conversational icebreaker when meeting someone. A useful term in public speaking and social contexts. Collocates with 精彩 (brilliant), 简短 (brief), 幽默 (humorous).

Examples

1. 他的开场白很有创意，用一个小故事瞬间抓住了听众的注意力。 His opening remarks were very creative — a small story instantly captured the audience's attention.
2. 正式发言前，我想先说几句开场白，感谢大家百忙之中前来。 Before my formal remarks, I'd like to say a few opening words to thank everyone for coming despite your busy schedules.
3. 她在社交场合总能想出恰当的开场白，让陌生人迅速放松下来。 She can always come up with an appropriate icebreaker in social situations, quickly putting strangers at ease.

Usage Guide

Context: public speaking, meetings, social

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你的开场白太长了，直接进入正题吧。(Your opening remarks are too long — just get to the point.)
• 好的开场白能让演讲成功一半。(A good opening can make a speech half successful.)

Don't Say

• 餐厅的开场白很好吃。(开场白 is for spoken introductions, not food — you might mean 开胃菜 appetizer)

Origin & History

开场 (to open, begin) + 白 (to speak, words — as in 对白 dialogue, 独白 monologue). The words that open a scene/event.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal