序幕

• Pinyin: xù mù
• Hanzi breakdown: 序 = 广 + 予 (opening/preface); 幕 = 莫 + 巾 (curtain — large cloth hanging)

Meaning

Prologue; prelude; opening act. The introductory section of a play, opera, or significant event.

Used literally for the opening act or prologue in theatrical and cinematic works, and figuratively for the beginning phase of a major historical event or campaign (如战争序幕 = the opening of a war). Carries a sense of something larger that is about to unfold.

Examples

1. 这场盛大庆典的序幕由一支交响乐团以雄浑的乐章正式拉开。 The curtain rose on the grand celebration with a symphony orchestra launching it with a powerful opening movement.
2. 历史学家普遍认为萨拉热窝事件是第一次世界大战爆发的序幕。 Historians generally consider the Sarajevo incident the prelude to the outbreak of World War I.
3. 科技展览的序幕刚刚拉开，参观者便已纷纷聚集在最新款机器人展台前驻足观看。 As soon as the tech expo opened, visitors began gathering around the newest robot booth and stopping to watch.

Usage Guide

Context: theatre, history, journalism, formal events

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 改革开放的序幕由一系列具有历史意义的政策决定共同拉开，开启了中国现代化建设的新篇章。(The prologue to reform and opening-up was drawn back by a series of historically significant policy decisions, opening a new chapter in China's modernisation.)
• 这场为期三天的国际论坛的序幕在开幕式上由主席台的致辞正式拉开。(The prologue of this three-day international forum was officially raised by the keynote addresses at the opening ceremony.)

Don't Say

• 序幕结束了 — use 序幕落下 or 序幕结束，正式进入正题; 序幕 is typically said to be 'raised' (拉开) at the start and 'lowered/closed' (落下) at its conclusion

Origin & History

序 (order/preface/opening) + 幕 (curtain/act) — the opening curtain of a performance

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal