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March 24, 2026
角色juésè(jue2se4)
角色 (jué sè) refers to a role or character that someone plays, either in a fictional context such as a novel or film, or in real-life scenarios such as a job or social situation. It implies a specific function or identity assumed by an individual within a particular context.
Frequency#1210DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 角色 is significant in traditional performing arts such as Peking Opera, where actors embody specific characters with distinct traits and stories, reflecting cultural values and societal roles.
Memory Tip
Imagine a dramatic play where each actor wears a unique mask representing their 角色. The 'jue' sounds like 'jewels' which are precious roles in a story, while 'se' can be linked to 'set' as in setting the stage for different characters to shine.
Meanings of 角色
juésè(jue2se4)
1role
2character in a novel
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About 角色
角色Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1210Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 角色
Podcast: 角色
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AI Study Notes for 角色
Quick Contrast
角色 (juésè) vs 身份 (shēnfèn) — use 角色 when referring to a role in a performance or social context, while 身份 emphasizes one's identity or status.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a dramatic play where each actor wears a unique mask representing their 角色. The 'jue' sounds like 'jewels' which are precious roles in a story, while 'se' can be linked to 'set' as in setting the stage for different characters to shine.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the pronunciation, as it can be confused with the alternative pronunciation [jiǎo sè]. In informal contexts, you might hear 角色 used more casually, but in formal writing or speeches, it retains a serious tone. Common collocations include '角色扮演' (role-playing) and '角色定位' (role positioning).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 vocabulary word, 角色 connects to themes of identity and social roles, which are common topics in intermediate conversations. Students should focus on using it in sentences about films, books, or personal experiences to solidify their understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 角色 is significant in traditional performing arts such as Peking Opera, where actors embody specific characters with distinct traits and stories, reflecting cultural values and societal roles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 角色 with similar words like '身份' (identity) or '职位' (position). For example, saying '这是我的身份' (This is my role) instead of '这是我的角色' is incorrect. Make sure to use 角色 when specifically discussing roles or characters.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 角色
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Grammar Patterns of 角色
角色 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.
The book follows four characters, loosely based on my uncles.
10
她演的是个小角色，但是演得很投入。
tā yǎn de shì gè xiǎo jiǎo sè， ， dàn shì yǎn dé hěn tóu。
Hers was a minor part, but she played it with gusto.
Cultural Notes for 角色
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 角色 is significant in traditional performing arts such as Peking Opera, where actors embody specific characters with distinct traits and stories, reflecting cultural values and societal roles.
Frequently Asked Questions about 角色
You can say '他在这部电影中扮演一个重要的角色' which means 'He plays an important role in this movie.'
角色 refers to the role itself, while 角色扮演 specifically means role-playing, where individuals act out those roles.
Yes, it can refer to roles in real-life situations, such as professional roles or social identities.
