电影 — meaning in English: the film

diànyǐng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for movie

专业

zhuānyè

该熔点

gāi róngdiǎn

欲望

yùwàng

电影

diànyǐng

性别

xìngbié

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 电影 (diànyǐng) in various contexts, such as discussing movie recommendations with friends, planning a trip to the cinema, or chatting about the latest film festival. It's common to hear this term in casual conversations about film genres, directors, or favorite actors.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for film in Mandarin is 影片 (yǐngpiàn), but 电影 (diànyǐng) is more commonly used in everyday conversation. While 影片 can refer to any kind of video production, 电影 specifically denotes a theatrical feature film, making it the go-to term for a night out at the movies.

Culture

The term 电影 (diànyǐng) literally translates to 'electric shadow,' which reflects the medium's origins in the invention of cinema. In China, films have historically played a crucial role in the cultural landscape, especially during the rapid modernization of the 20th century, showcasing stories that resonate with both local and global audiences.

FAQ

Q.What does 电影 mean in English?

电影 (diànyǐng) means 'the film' or 'movie' in English. It's a common term used in both casual and formal conversations about cinema.

Q.How do you pronounce 电影 in Mandarin?

电影 is pronounced as diànyǐng. Pay attention to the tonal marks: the first syllable has a falling tone (diàn), and the second syllable has a rising tone (yǐng).

Q.Are there any common mistakes in using the word 电影?

A common mistake is using 电影 interchangeably with 电视剧 (diànshìjù), which means 'TV drama.' While both refer to visual storytelling, 电影 specifically refers to films, whereas 电视剧 refers to television series.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000