表演
biu2 jin2
The English verb 'show' can be translated into Cantonese as 表演 (biu2 jin2).
The term 表演 is used as a verb meaning to display. When discussing specific types of shows, the vocabulary shifts: the term 視覺展覽 is used to refer specifically to visual exhibitions or shows, such as art or photography exhibitions. In informal settings, if you want to say you are attending a concert or a singing show, you would use the phrase 睇演唱會 and to say you are watching a movie or a performance, you use 睇戲.
Meaning: to display (verb)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
biu2 jin2
Did you know?
- Cantonese uses specific 'classifier' words when counting shows, such as 場, which originally referred to a 'field' or 'open space' where performances took place.
- While 表演 means 'to perform', Cantonese speakers often use the word show directly as a loanword in casual conversation, particularly when referring to a variety show or a flashy presentation.
- The character 表 in 表演 can also mean 'outside' or 'surface', suggesting that a show is something presented for the outer view of an audience.
Examples in context
- 我昨晚睇娛樂節目笑到肚痛。I watched an entertainment show last night and laughed till it hurt.
- 依家好多人都喺網上睇戲。Many people now watch movies online.
- 我想睇佢表演。ngo5 soeng2 tai2 keoi5 biu2 jin4.I want to see him perform.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a talent show.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting子健，你今晚會表演嗎？zi2 gin6, nei5 gam1 maan5 wui5 biu2 jin4 maa1?Zi Kin, will you perform tonight?
- 子健 Tsz Kin我唔會，我只係觀眾。ngo5 m4 wui5, ngo5 zi2 hai6 guz1 zung1.I won't, I'm just an audience member.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting係咩？我以為你會表演。hai6 me1? ngo5 ji5 wai4 nei5 wui5 biu2 jin4.Really? I thought you would perform.
- 子健 Tsz Kin唔係呀，我好緊張。m4 hai6 aa3, ngo5 hou2 gan2 zoeng1.No, I am very nervous.
