电子游戏
diànzǐ yóuxì
In Chinese, the phrase for 'video games' is 电子游戏 (diànzǐ yóuxì).
电子游戏 refers to video games. When you want to describe the action of playing them, it is common to use the verb 打 (to hit/play) instead of the general verb 玩 (to play).
What does it mean word for word?
The term 电子游戏 is composed of 电子, meaning 'electronic' and 游戏, meaning 'game' or 'play'.
Which one should you use?
While 电子游戏 is the full term, in casual conversation, speakers often shorten it to just 游戏. Additionally, 电玩 is an informal way to say 'video games'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
电子游戏 is a formal way to say 'video games'. In contrast, 电玩 is an informal term and 游戏 is used in casual conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
diànzǐ yóuxì
What mistakes should you avoid?
While you can use the verb 玩 to mean 'to play', the verb 打 is more commonly used specifically when talking about playing video games.
Did you know?
- Gamers in China often use the slang term 氪金 to describe spending real money on in-game purchases. This translates literally to 'adding gold' or 'paying gold'.
- In competitive gaming, Chinese speakers use the term 大神 to describe a pro player. It literally means 'Great God', reflecting the high level of respect given to elite skill.
- The word 电子 (diànzǐ) refers to 'electron' in physics, making the literal translation of the phrase 'electron games'.
Examples in context
- 我宁愿逃学也要玩电子游戏。I'd rather skip school and play video games.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for playing 电子游戏 over going to school.Tatoeba #794506 by eastasiastudent, translation #794507 by CM
- 我喜欢玩电子游戏。(Wǒ xǐhuān wán diànzǐ yóuxì.)I like playing video games.
- 你玩过这个电玩吗？(Nǐ wán guò zhège diànwán ma?)Have you played this video game?
- 他很喜欢玩电子游戏。Tā hěn xǐhuān wán diànzǐ yóuxì.He likes playing video games very much.
- 现在的电子游戏画面很真实。Xiànzài de diànzǐ yóuxì huàmiàn hěn zhēnshí.Modern video game graphics are very realistic.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their hobbies at a cafe.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你周末一般做什么？Nǐ zhōumò yìbān zuò shénme?What do you usually do on weekends?
- 梓涵 Zihan我喜欢玩电子游戏。Wǒ xǐhuān wán diànzǐ yóuxì.I like playing video games.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也喜欢玩，你喜欢哪种类型的？Wǒ yě xǐhuān wán, nǐ xǐhuān nǎ zhǒng lèixíng de?I like them too, what genre do you like?
- 梓涵 Zihan我比较喜欢动作类的。Wǒ bǐjiào xǐhuān dòngzuò lèi de.I prefer action types.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
