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导演 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
导演dǎoyǎnto directHSK 5, v, 20 strokes, Hard
导演dǎoyǎndirector (film etc)HSK 5, v, 20 strokes, Hard
dǎoyǎn(dao3yan3)dao yan T3
  1. 1to direct
  2. 2director (film etc)
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March 24, 2026

导演(導演)dǎoyǎn(dao3yan3)

The term '导演' (dǎoyǎn) refers to the act of directing, particularly in the context of film, theater, or television. It encompasses both the role of a director and the action of guiding the artistic vision of a performance or production. In everyday usage, it is often associated with creative leadership in visual storytelling.

Strokes20DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, directing is highly regarded, especially in the context of traditional Chinese opera, where the director's vision greatly influences the performance. The role of the director has evolved with the rise of the film industry in China, reflecting changing societal values.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '导' (dǎo) as a guide who leads a group and '演' (yǎn) as a performance or show. Picture a film director standing before a cast, directing them like a conductor with an orchestra, ensuring every scene is perfectly played out, while you chant 'dao3 yan3' to remember the pronunciation.

Meanings of 导演

dǎoyǎn(dao3yan3)
1to direct
2director (film etc)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 导演

导演Simplified
導演Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

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AI Study Notes for 导演

Quick Contrast

编剧 (biānjù) - use '导演' when referring to the person directing the performance, while '编剧' specifically refers to the screenwriter or playwright who writes the script.

Usage Notes

Be cautious as '导演' primarily refers to film and theater directing, and using it in contexts outside of these may sound awkward. This term is more formal and is often used in professional settings. Common collocations include '电影导演' (film director) and '电视导演' (TV director).

HSK Study Tips

At HSK Level 5, students should focus on the nuances of the term and its application in discussions about films and art. Connecting it with other related vocabulary such as '演员' (actor) and '剧本' (script) can enhance comprehension and usage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '导演' with '导游' (dǎoyóu), which means 'tour guide.' A wrong example would be using '导演' when talking about a travel guide, which should be '导游'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 导演

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Component Characters

导dǎoto transmit
HSK 46 strokes寸
View full entry
演yǎnto develop
HSK 414 strokes氵
View full entry

How to say to direct in Chinese

“to direct” in Chinese is导演dǎoyǎn

The term '导演' (dǎoyǎn) refers to the act of directing, particularly in the context of film, theater, or television. It encompasses both the role of a director and the action of guiding the artistic vision of a performance or production. In everyday usage, it is often associated with creative leadership in visual storytelling.

When to use 导演

Be cautious as '导演' primarily refers to film and theater directing, and using it in contexts outside of these may sound awkward. This term is more formal and is often used in professional settings. Common collocations include '电影导演' (film director) and '电视导演' (TV director).

导演 or something close to it

编剧 (biānjù) - use '导演' when referring to the person directing the performance, while '编剧' specifically refers to the screenwriter or playwright who writes the script.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '导演' with '导游' (dǎoyóu), which means 'tour guide.' A wrong example would be using '导演' when talking about a travel guide, which should be '导游'.

Write 导演

导
演

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Grammar Patterns of 导演

导演 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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 4

Fill the gap

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

单单英国广播公司就派出技术人员、____、解说员等一行300人。

The BBC alone is sending 300 technicians, directors and commentators.

Example Sentences for 导演 (8)

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1
单单英国广播公司就派出技术人员、导演、解说员等一行300人。

dān dān yīng guó guǎng bō gōng sī jiù pài chū jì shù rén yuán、 、 dǎo、 yǎn 、 jiě shuō yuán děng300 yī。

The BBC alone is sending 300 technicians, directors and commentators.
2
导演在镜头运用上既富有美感又渲染了气氛，戏剧手法的运用也娴熟自如。

dǎo yǎn zài jìng tóu yùn yòng shàng jì fù yǒu měi gǎn yòu xuàn rǎn le qì fēn， ， xì jù shǒu fǎ de yùn yòng yě xián shú zì。

The director employs sensuous, atmospheric camerawork and deft dramatic touches.
3
她在三四十年代成了一位名导演。

tā zài sān sì shí nián dài chéng le yī wèi míng dǎo yǎn。

She became quite a notable director in the thirties and forties.
4
导演想要当时签约于华纳兄弟娱乐公司旗下的奥利维娅·德哈维兰出演。

dǎo yǎn xiǎng yào dāng shí qiān yuē yú huá nà xiōng dì yú lè gōng sī qí xià de ào lì wéi yà· · dé hā wéi lán chū。

The director wanted Olivia de Havilland, then under contract to Warner Brothers.
5
1952年她嫁给了电影导演罗杰·瓦丹。

1952 1952 nián tā jià gěi le diàn yǐng dǎo yǎn luó· jié ·。

In 1952 she wed film director Roger Vadim.
6
近几年来他作为电影导演的名声渐响.

jìn jī nián lái tā zuò wéi diàn yǐng dǎo yǎn de míng shēng jiàn xiǎng.

His standing as a film director has risen in recent years.
7
他明白自己永远也当不了导演。

tā míng bái zì jǐ yǒng yuǎn yě dāng bù le dǎo yǎn。

He knew he was never going to make director.
8
该影片是由霍华德·霍克斯导演的。

gāi yǐng piàn shì yóu huò huá dé· · huò kè sī dǎo yǎn。

The film was directed by Howard Hawks.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 导演

It means 'director' or 'to direct,' especially in film and theater.

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