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演员 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
演员yǎnyuánactor or actressHSK 4, n, 21 strokes, rank #1048, Medium
演员yǎnyuánperformerHSK 4, n, 21 strokes, rank #1048, Medium
yǎnyuán(yan3yuan2)yan yuan T3
  1. 1actor or actress
  2. 2performer
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March 24, 2026

演员(演員)yǎnyuán(yan3yuan2)

The term 演员 (yǎnyuán) refers to an actor or actress, a person who performs in films, television, theater, or other performing arts. This word is commonly used in contexts related to entertainment and the arts, highlighting someone's role in portraying characters or stories.

Strokes21Frequency#1048DifficultyMedium
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, performing arts are highly valued, with traditional forms like Peking Opera being celebrated for their artistry. The term 演员 reflects the respect given to those who dedicate their lives to performance, showcasing a significant aspect of Chinese cultural heritage.

Memory tip

To remember 演员, think of the character 演 (yǎn) as a performer on stage acting out a script, while 员 (yuán) represents a member of a group. Visualize an actor taking center stage, dramatically gesturing to captivate the audience, and you can associate the sound 'yan' with 'perform' and 'yuan' with 'member.'

Meanings of 演员

yǎnyuán(yan3yuan2)
1actor or actress
2performer
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 演员

演员Simplified
演員Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1048Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

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Podcast: 演员

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AI study notes for 演员

Quick Contrast

演员 (yǎnyuán) vs 表演者 (biǎoyǎnzhě) — use 演员 specifically for actors in film and theater, while 表演者 can refer to any performer, including musicians and dancers.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 演员, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstanding. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '电影演员' (movie actor) or '话剧演员' (theater actor). Avoid using it in contexts unrelated to performing arts.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 演员 connects well with other words related to professions and the arts. Students should focus on collocations and phrases that involve different types of performers, enhancing vocabulary in the context of entertainment.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 演员 with 角色 (jiǎosè), which means 'character,' leading to phrases like '我想成为一个角色' (I want to become a character) instead of '我想成为一个演员' (I want to become an actor). Always use 演员 when referring to the person performing.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 演员

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Component characters

演yǎnto develop
HSK 414 strokes氵
View full entry
员yuánperson
HSK 37 strokes口
View full entry

How to say actor or actress in Chinese

“actor or actress” in Chinese is演员yǎnyuán

The term 演员 (yǎnyuán) refers to an actor or actress, a person who performs in films, television, theater, or other performing arts. This word is commonly used in contexts related to entertainment and the arts, highlighting someone's role in portraying characters or stories.

When to use 演员

Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 演员, as mispronunciation can lead to misunderstanding. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '电影演员' (movie actor) or '话剧演员' (theater actor). Avoid using it in contexts unrelated to performing arts.

演员 or something close to it

演员 (yǎnyuán) vs 表演者 (biǎoyǎnzhě) — use 演员 specifically for actors in film and theater, while 表演者 can refer to any performer, including musicians and dancers.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 演员 with 角色 (jiǎosè), which means 'character,' leading to phrases like '我想成为一个角色' (I want to become a character) instead of '我想成为一个演员' (I want to become an actor). Always use 演员 when referring to the person performing.

Write 演员

演
员

Practice writing 演员 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 演员

演员 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 5

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

伦敦市芭蕾舞团从波修瓦芭蕾舞团聘来了两名男舞蹈____。

The London City Ballet has engaged two male dancers from the Bolshoi.

Example sentences for 演员 (10)

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1
伦敦市芭蕾舞团从波修瓦芭蕾舞团聘来了两名男舞蹈演员。

lún dūn shì bālěi wǔ tuán cóng Bō xiū wǎ bālěi wǔ tuán pìn lái le liǎng míng nán wǔdǎo yǎnyuán。

The London City Ballet has engaged two male dancers from the Bolshoi.
2
他成了他那个时期最著名的演员之一。

tā chéng le tā nàge shíqī zuì zhùmíng de yǎnyuán zhīyī。

He became one of the best known actors of his day.
3
他是少数几个知道招揽观众的演员之一。

tā shì shǎoshù jǐ gè zhīdào zhāolǎn guānzhòng de yǎnyuán zhīyī。

He is one of the few players who puts bums on seats.
4
他是个蹩脚的演员。

tā shì gè bié jiǎo de yǎnyuán。

He was a poor actor.
5
装腔作势背台词的演员不是好演员.

zhuāng qiāng zuō shì bēi tái cí de yǎnyuán bùshì hǎo yǎnyuán.

An actor who mouths his lines is a poor actor.
6
按理他是他那一代中最优秀的演员。

ànlǐ tā shì tā nà yídài zhōng zuì yōuxiù de yǎnyuán。

He is arguably the best actor of his generation.
7
他的新角色会确保他跻身我们的一流演员之列。

tā de xīn juésè huì quèbǎo tā jīshēn wǒmen de yīliú yǎnyuán zhī liè。

His new role could confirm him as one of our leading actors.
8
他要的是会说威尔士语的演员。明摆着,我是没指望了。

tā yào de shì huì shuō wēi ěr shì yǔ de yǎnyuán。 míng bǎi zhe, wǒ shì méi zhǐwàng le。

He wants actors who can speak Welsh. Obviously I've had it.
9
那个男演员的名字我一时想不起来了。

nàge nán yǎnyuán de míngzi wǒ yìshí xiǎng bù qǐlái le。

It was an actor whose name escapes me for the moment.
10
我一心一意想去做演员。

wǒ yìxīnyíyì xiǎng qù zuò yǎnyuán。

I wanted to be an actress with every fibre of my being.

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Frequently asked questions about 演员

Yes, 演员 is a gender-neutral term and can refer to both male and female performers.

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