演講 / 演讲
yǎnjiǎng
In Mandarin, "public speaking" is translated as 演講 / 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng). If unsure, use 演講 / 演讲. Wiktionary also lists 講演 / 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn).
Meaning: speaking to a group of people in a structured manner (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mandarin | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 演講 / 演讲 | yǎnjiǎng |
| 講演 / 讲演 | jiǎngyǎn |
The term 演講 can function as both a noun, meaning a speech and a verb, meaning to give a speech. For more specific contexts, 公众演讲 is a formal term that emphasizes the presence of an audience, while 公众讲话 is frequently used when referring to speeches given by public figures or politicians.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 演講 is composed of 演, which means to perform or develop and 講, which means to speak or explain.
Which one should you use?
演講 is the most common term for a speech or public speaking. In contrast, 講演 / 讲演 is more formal and often refers specifically to a lecture or an academic presentation.
How do you pronounce it?
yǎnjiǎng
Did you know?
- Someone with a great talent for public speaking is described as having 口才, which translates literally as 'mouth talent'.
- Due to the cultural concept of 面子 or 'face', a speaker may include stylized praises for organizers to ensure that no one 'loses face' during the event.
- A speaker might address the crowd as 各位領導, meaning 'distinguished leaders', even if the audience members do not hold any official rank.
Examples in context
- 他非常擅长演讲He is very good at public speaking.
- 公众演讲是他的特长Public speaking is his expertise.
- 我们明天有一场公开演讲We have a public speaking event tomorrow.
- 昨天我参加了一个有趣的公开演讲比赛。Yesterday, I participated in a fun public speaking competition.
- 他正在做一次重要的公众讲话He is giving an important public speech.
- 请欢迎我们的主讲人，他将为我们进行一场精彩的演讲。Please welcome our guest speaker, he will give us a wonderful public speaking session.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “public speaking” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
