動畫 / 动画
dònghuà
The English phrase "animation" is translated into Chinese as 動畫 / 动画 (dònghuà). If unsure, use 動畫 / 动画. Wiktionary also lists 動漫 / 动漫 (dòngmàn).
Meaning: causing images to appear to move (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 動畫 / 动画 | dònghuà |
| 動漫 / 动漫 | dòngmàn |
The term refers to the process or result of causing images to appear to move.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 動畫 / 动画 is composed of 動 (moving) and 画 (picture/drawing).
Which one should you use?
While 動畫 / 动画 refers specifically to the animation itself, 動漫 / 动漫 is a portmanteau of animation (動畫) and comics (漫畫) used to refer to the entire medium or subculture of animation and comics.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The traditional character form 動畫 is used in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, while the simplified character form 动画 is used in Mainland China and Singapore. Similarly, the simplified form 动漫 is used in Mainland China and Singapore.
How do you pronounce it?
dònghuà
Did you know?
- In Chinese, the word for 'comics' 漫畫 / 漫画 literally means 'random' or 'careless' drawings, reflecting a historical view of the medium as informal.
- In some contexts, 動漫 / 动漫 is used as an adjective to describe a specific 'cute' or 'stylized' aesthetic in fashion and home decor.
- When discussing 'anime' specifically (Japanese style), Chinese speakers often use the term 日漫 / 日动漫 to distinguish it from local or Western styles.
Examples in context
- 我喜欢看动画片。Wǒ xǐhuān kàn dònghuà piàn
Sources
- Wiktionary, “animation” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
