演示
yanshi
The English phrase "demo" can be translated into Chinese as 演示 (yanshi).
演示 is used to mean a practical exhibition or presentation of how something works. It is a common translation for "demo" used in professional settings like presentations or conferences.
Which one should you use?
While 演示 refers to showing how a process or product works, it is distinct from 证明, which means to prove a fact or truth. Additionally, 展示 is a term for "demo" in formal settings referring to showcasing or exhibiting something.
How do you pronounce it?
yanshi
Did you know?
- The first character in 演示, 演, is the same character used in 演员 (actor) and 表演 (performance). This suggests that a technical demo is conceptually viewed as a type of 'performance' or 'acting out' a process.
- While 演示 is used for a demo, Chinese has a specific term 试玩 (literally 'try-play') used exclusively for playable game demos.
- Performing a 演示 of software in a mainland Chinese business setting is often viewed as a high-pressure 'live performance' rather than a simple presentation.
Examples in context
- 请做一个演示。Please do a demo.
- 演示软件的主要功能。Demonstrate the main features of the software.
- 请给大家展示一下新产品。Please demonstrate the new product to everyone.
- 进行产品展示。Conduct a product demonstration.
- 你能给我示范一下吗？Can you show me a demo?
- 他来了一个舞蹈的示范。He gave a demonstration of the dance.
- 能不能给我演示一下？Can you give me a quick demo?
- 他们向观众演示一下如何使用该设备。They demonstrated to the audience how to use the device.
- 演示一下Give a demo / demonstrate it a bit
- 请给我做一个产品演示。Qǐng gěi wǒ zuò yí ge chǎnpǐn yǎnshì.Please give me a product demo.
- 今天的软件演示非常成功。Jīntiān de ruǎnjiàn yǎnshì fēicháng chénggōng.Today's software demo was very successful.
- 他在会议上演示了新功能。Tā zài huìyì shàng yǎnshì le xīn gōngnéng.He demonstrated the new features at the meeting.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new product feature in the office.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，这个功能怎么用？Xiǎowén, zhège gōngnéng zěnme yòng?Xiaowen, how do I use this feature?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我现在给你演示一遍。Wǒ xiànzài gěi nǐ yǎnshì yībiàn.I will give you a demo of it right now.
- 伟 Wei太好了，谢谢你。Tài hǎole, xièxiè nǐ.Great, thank you.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，请看屏幕。Méi wèntí, qǐng kàn píngmù.No problem, please look at the screen.
