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March 24, 2026
表演biǎoyǎn(biao3yan3)
表演 (biǎoyǎn) refers to the act of performing or demonstrating a skill, often in front of an audience. It is commonly used in contexts like theater, dance, or any artistic showcase where someone presents their talents. The word conveys not only the act of performance but also the exhibition of one's abilities.
Frequency#500DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 表演 is an important aspect of festivals and celebrations, often featuring traditional performances like opera or dance that showcase cultural heritage. Understanding this term can give insights into the significance of performance in social gatherings.
Memory Tip
Think of 表 (biǎo) as a 'surface' or 'to show' and 演 (yǎn) as 'to act or perform'. Visualize an actor standing on a stage, showing their talents to the audience, which helps connect the idea of performance (表演) to its components.
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AI Study Notes for 表演
Quick Contrast
演出 (yǎnchū) refers specifically to a performance or show, usually implying a formal event, whereas 表演 (biǎoyǎn) can refer to any act of performing, including informal demonstrations of skill.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 表 (biǎo) as a 'surface' or 'to show' and 演 (yǎn) as 'to act or perform'. Visualize an actor standing on a stage, showing their talents to the audience, which helps connect the idea of performance (表演) to its components.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of using 表演 in appropriate contexts, as it is more formal than casual expressions of performing. Common collocations include 表演艺术 (performing arts) and 表演者 (performer). Watch out for the tone; mispronouncing it could change its meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 表演 connects well with other performance-related vocabulary like 演员 (actor) and 戏剧 (drama). Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe activities or events, enhancing their fluency in discussing arts and performances.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 表演 is an important aspect of festivals and celebrations, often featuring traditional performances like opera or dance that showcase cultural heritage. Understanding this term can give insights into the significance of performance in social gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 表演 with 演出 (yǎnchū), which specifically means to perform a show. For instance, saying '我去表演一个音乐会' (I go to perform a concert) is incorrect; it should be '我去演出一个音乐会'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 表演
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Grammar Patterns of 表演
表演 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这个晚上最让人高兴的就是精彩的焰火____。
The most pleasurable experience of the evening was the wonderful fireworks display.
Example Sentences for 表演 (10)
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1
这个晚上最让人高兴的就是精彩的焰火表演。
zhè gè wǎn shàng zuì ràng rén gāo xīng de jiù shì jīng cǎi de yàn huǒ biǎo yǎn。
The most pleasurable experience of the evening was the wonderful fireworks display.
2
从许多方面来说，表演无疑是吃青春饭的行当。
cóng xǔ duō fāng miàn lái shuō， ， biǎo yǎn wú yí shì chī qīng chūn fàn de háng。
Acting is definitely a young person's profession in many ways.
3
喝下午茶的时候，维多利亚与其夫君艾伯特亲王表演了二重唱。
hē xià wǔ chá de shí hòu， ， wéi duō lì yà yǔ qí fū jūn ài bó tè qīn wáng biǎo yǎn le èr zhòng。
At tea-time, Victoria sang duets with her Consort, Prince Albert.
The film is a well made, atmospheric, consummately acted piece.
Cultural Notes for 表演
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 表演 is an important aspect of festivals and celebrations, often featuring traditional performances like opera or dance that showcase cultural heritage. Understanding this term can give insights into the significance of performance in social gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 表演
You can use 表演 when talking about theater, dance performances, or any event where skills are demonstrated.
While 表演 can be used in both contexts, it is more commonly used in formal settings.
Make sure to use the third tone for both characters: biǎo (third tone) yǎn (third tone), ensuring clarity.
