配角 (pèijué) refers to a 'supporting role' in a performance, such as in film, theater, or literature. While the main character drives the plot, the supporting roles add depth and complexity to the story, often enhancing the lead character's development or the overall narrative. This term can also extend metaphorically to describe someone who plays a secondary role in various contexts, such as in teams or organizations.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
pèijué(pei4jue2) T4
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May 27, 2026
配角pèijué(pei4jue2)
配角 (pèijué) refers to a 'supporting role' in a performance, such as in film, theater, or literature. While the main character drives the plot, the supporting roles add depth and complexity to the story, often enhancing the lead character's development or the overall narrative. This term can also extend metaphorically to describe someone who plays a secondary role in various contexts, such as in teams or organizations.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cinema and literature, supporting characters often play critical roles that resonate with cultural values, such as loyalty and friendship, reflecting the importance of community in Chinese society. This contrasts with Western narratives where supporting roles may not always carry as much significance.
Memory Tip
Think of '配' (pèi) as 'pairing' and '角' (jué) as 'corner' or 'role'. Imagine a pair of actors in a corner of a stage, with one being the star and the other the supporting actor. The supporting actor is crucial, even if they stand in the 'corner' of the spotlight.
About 配角
配角Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 配角
Podcast: 配角
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AI Study Notes for 配角
Quick Contrast
主角 (zhǔjué) — use 主角 when referring to the 'main character' who drives the plot, as opposed to 配角, which denotes a 'supporting role'.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '配' (pèi) as 'pairing' and '角' (jué) as 'corner' or 'role'. Imagine a pair of actors in a corner of a stage, with one being the star and the other the supporting actor. The supporting actor is crucial, even if they stand in the 'corner' of the spotlight.
Usage Notes
Learners should remember that 配角 is often used in informal conversation as well as in formal contexts when discussing entertainment. A common mistake is confusing it with 主角 (zhǔjué), which means 'main character'. Pay attention to the tone: 'pèi' is falling, while 'jué' is rising.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, students should focus on understanding the nuances of character roles in storytelling and how this term can be used in different contexts. Connecting 配角 to other related vocabulary, like 主角 (main character) and 角色 (role), can enhance comprehension of narratives.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cinema and literature, supporting characters often play critical roles that resonate with cultural values, such as loyalty and friendship, reflecting the importance of community in Chinese society. This contrasts with Western narratives where supporting roles may not always carry as much significance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 配角 with 角色 (jué sè, meaning 'role') and use them interchangeably. A correct usage would be: '他是这部电影的配角' (He is the supporting role in this movie), rather than saying '他是这部电影的角色', which can be too vague.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 配角
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Cultural Notes for 配角
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cinema and literature, supporting characters often play critical roles that resonate with cultural values, such as loyalty and friendship, reflecting the importance of community in Chinese society. This contrasts with Western narratives where supporting roles may not always carry as much significance.
Frequently Asked Questions about 配角
配角 refers to supporting characters, while 主角 refers to the main character in a story.
Yes, it can describe someone who plays a secondary role in various situations, such as in teams.
配角 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile.
