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上映 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
上映shàngyìngto show (a movie)HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #9637, Very Hard
上映shàngyìngto screenHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #9637, Very Hard
shàngyìng(shang4ying4)shang ying T4
  1. 1to show (a movie)
  2. 2to screen
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March 24, 2026

上映shàngyìng(shang4ying4)

The term '上映' (shàng yìng) refers to the act of showing or screening a movie to an audience. It is commonly used in the context of film releases and announcements, indicating when a film will be available for public viewing.

Strokes12Frequency#9637DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, film screenings are significant social events, often accompanied by press releases and promotional campaigns. The timing of a film's release can also be influenced by holidays and festivals, reflecting cultural trends.

Memory tip

Imagine a giant screen (影) rising (上) up into the sky to show a movie. Picture the excitement as the lights dim and the film begins, helping you remember that '上映' means to screen a film.

Meanings of 上映

shàngyìng(shang4ying4)
1to show (a movie)
2to screen
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About 上映

上映Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 上映

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AI study notes for 上映

Quick Contrast

放映 (fàngyìng) - use '上映' when referring specifically to the premiere or initial release of a film, while '放映' can refer to any screening, including repeats.

Usage Notes

'上映' is typically used in formal contexts, such as film industry announcements. A common mistake is confusing it with '放映' (fàng yìng), which also means to screen but is often used for specific showings. Be careful with tone; both syllables are pronounced with a falling tone.

HSK Study Tips

While '上映' itself is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to film and entertainment, which are common topics in HSK Level 3 and above. Focus on related vocabulary such as '电影' (diànyǐng, movie) and '观看' (guānkàn, to watch) to build context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '上映' with '放映,' which has a slightly different usage. For example, saying '电影正在上映' (The movie is currently showing) is correct, but '电影正在放映' (The movie is currently screening) is more contextually accurate for ongoing showings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 上映

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Component characters

上shàngon top
HSK 13 strokes一
View full entry
映yìngto reflect (light)
HSK 79 strokes日
View full entry

How to say to show (a movie) in Chinese

“to show (a movie)” in Chinese is上映shàngyìng

The term '上映' (shàng yìng) refers to the act of showing or screening a movie to an audience. It is commonly used in the context of film releases and announcements, indicating when a film will be available for public viewing.

When to use 上映

'上映' is typically used in formal contexts, such as film industry announcements. A common mistake is confusing it with '放映' (fàng yìng), which also means to screen but is often used for specific showings. Be careful with tone; both syllables are pronounced with a falling tone.

上映 or something close to it

放映 (fàngyìng) - use '上映' when referring specifically to the premiere or initial release of a film, while '放映' can refer to any screening, including repeats.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '上映' with '放映,' which has a slightly different usage. For example, saying '电影正在上映' (The movie is currently showing) is correct, but '电影正在放映' (The movie is currently screening) is more contextually accurate for ongoing showings.

Write 上映

上
映

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Frequently asked questions about 上映

You can say, '这部电影将于下个月上映' (This movie will be shown next month).

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