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March 24, 2026
摄影(攝影)shèyǐng(she4ying3)
摄影 (shèyǐng) refers to the art or practice of capturing images through a camera. It encompasses both photography and the filming of movies, highlighting the technical and creative aspects involved in visual storytelling.
Strokes28Frequency#3840DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, photography has evolved from traditional portrait painting to modern digital photography, with events like weddings and festivals being popular subjects. The concept of capturing moments is highly valued, as seen in practices like family photo-taking during holidays.
Memory Tip
Think of 摄影 as 'shooting images.' The character 摄 (shè) resembles a camera lens capturing scenes, while 影 (yǐng) means 'shadow' or 'image,' suggesting the end result of photography. Together, they evoke the idea of capturing light and images.
Meanings of 摄影
shèyǐng(she4ying3)
1to take a photograph
2photography
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About 摄影
摄影Simplified
攝影Traditional
28Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3840Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 摄影
Podcast: 摄影
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AI Study Notes for 摄影
Quick Contrast
摄影 (shèyǐng) vs 拍照 (pāizhào): 选择摄影 (shèyǐng) 侧重于艺术和技术的全面实践，而拍照 (pāizhào) 更强调瞬间捕捉的行为。
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 摄影; the first character is pronounced with a falling tone (shè), while the second has a rising tone (yǐng). Common collocations include 摄影师 (shèyǐngshī - photographer) and 摄影作品 (shèyǐng zuòpǐn - photographic works). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words related to other visual arts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 摄影 connects with other vocabulary related to art and media, such as 画画 (huàhuà - to draw) and 电影 (diànyǐng - movie). Focus on practicing the tones and using the word in context to describe personal photography experiences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 摄影 with 拍照. For example, saying '我喜欢摄影' (I like to take photos) is correct, but saying '我喜欢拍照摄影' is incorrect and redundant. Stick to either 摄影 or 拍照 based on the context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 摄影
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摄影 (shèyǐng) refers to the art or practice of capturing images through a camera. It encompasses both photography and the filming of movies, highlighting the technical and creative aspects involved in visual storytelling.
When to use 摄影
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 摄影; the first character is pronounced with a falling tone (shè), while the second has a rising tone (yǐng). Common collocations include 摄影师 (shèyǐngshī - photographer) and 摄影作品 (shèyǐng zuòpǐn - photographic works). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words related to other visual arts.
摄影 or something close to it
摄影 (shèyǐng) vs 拍照 (pāizhào): 选择摄影 (shèyǐng) 侧重于艺术和技术的全面实践，而拍照 (pāizhào) 更强调瞬间捕捉的行为。
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 摄影 with 拍照. For example, saying '我喜欢摄影' (I like to take photos) is correct, but saying '我喜欢拍照摄影' is incorrect and redundant. Stick to either 摄影 or 拍照 based on the context.
Write 摄影
摄
影
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Grammar Patterns of 摄影
摄影 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 3 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.
