京剧
Beijing Opera in Chinese is 京剧.
The term 京剧 is used to refer to Beijing Opera. Related terms include 京剧皮影 for Beijing Opera shadow puppetry and 京剧旦角 for the female roles in Beijing Opera.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 京剧 is composed of 京 (jīng), meaning 'capital' (referring to Beijing) and 剧 (jù), meaning 'drama' or 'play'.
Did you know?
- In 京剧, the 'painted face' masks are not just costumes but coded signals. A red face signifies bravery and loyalty, while a white face often denotes craftiness or treachery.
- The female roles, or 旦角, were traditionally played by men for centuries. This practice continued even after women were allowed to perform, as some preferred the stylized male interpretation.
- While the name refers to the capital, the art form actually originated from a blend of styles from provinces outside of Beijing. It was the fusion of various regional opera traditions in the capital that eventually earned the name 京剧.
Examples in context
- 我一直想看京剧。I've always wanted to watch Beijing Opera.
- 京剧是一种引人入胜的传统艺术形式。Beijing Opera is a fascinating traditional art form.
- 你看过那场新的京戏表演吗？Have you seen that new jīngxì performance?
- 在山西，他们有自己的版本叫京剧皮影。In Shanxi, they have their own version called jīngjù píyǐng.
- 你知道有哪些京剧著名表演者吗？Do you know any famous performers of Beijing Opera?
- 我非常喜欢看京剧。Wǒ fēicháng xǐhuān kàn Jīngjù.I really like watching Beijing opera.
- 京剧是一种传统的艺术。Jīngjù shì yì zhǒng chuántǒng de yìshù.Beijing opera is a traditional art form.
- 他在表演京剧。Tā zài biǎoyǎn Jīngjù.He is performing Beijing opera.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their interests in traditional arts.
- 俊杰 Junjie晓雯，你想去看京剧吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ xiǎng qù kàn jīngjù ma?Xiaowen, do you want to go see a Beijing opera?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我想去，但我不懂京剧。Wǒ xiǎng qù, dàn wǒ bù dǒng jīngjù.I want to, but I don't understand Beijing opera.
- 俊杰 Junjie没关系，我可以给你解释。Méi guānxì, wǒ kěyǐ gěi nǐ jiěshì.That's okay, I can explain it to you.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen太好了，谢谢你，俊杰。Tài hǎole, xièxie nǐ, Jùnjié.Great, thank you, Junjie.
