上映

• Pinyin: shàng yìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 上 = 一 + 卜 (go up/on); 映 = 日 + 央 (project, reflect light)

Meaning

To be screened; to release (a film). Refers to a movie or film being shown in cinemas.

Specifically used for cinema/film releases. Distinct from 播出 (broadcast on TV) or 上线 (go online). Common in entertainment news and film promotion.

Examples

1. 这部期待已久的电影将于下周五正式上映。 This highly anticipated film will be released next Friday.
2. 影片上映首日票房突破了一亿元。 On its opening day, the film’s box office topped 100 million yuan.
3. 该纪录片在多个城市同步上映。 The documentary premiered simultaneously in multiple cities.

Usage Guide

Context: film, entertainment, media

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这部科幻大片将在暑期档全国上映。(This sci-fi blockbuster will be screened nationwide during the summer season.)
• 影片上映后获得了观众的广泛好评。(After the film was released, it received widespread praise from audiences.)

Don't Say

• 用上映描述电视剧或网络视频 — use 播出 for TV dramas and 上线 for streaming platform releases

Origin & History

上 (go up/on) + 映 (screen/project) — to go up on screen

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal