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编剧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
编剧biānjùto write a playHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #5602, Very Hard
编剧biānjùscenarioHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #5602, Very Hard
编剧biānjùdramatistHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #5602, Very Hard
编剧biānjùscreenwriterHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #5602, Very Hard
biānjù(bian1ju4)bian ju T1
  1. 1to write a play
  2. 2scenario
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March 24, 2026

编剧(編劇)biānjù(bian1ju4)

编剧 (bian1 ju4) refers to a person who writes scripts for plays, movies, or television shows. It encompasses the creative process of developing narratives and dialogue, often requiring collaboration with directors and producers in the entertainment industry.

Strokes22Frequency#5602DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

The role of 编剧 is crucial in Chinese cinema, which has a rich tradition of storytelling, from classical operas to modern films. Understanding this term can provide insights into the importance of narrative in Chinese culture.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'band' (编) of 'jewels' (剧) coming together to create a sparkling story. The 'band' represents the creativity needed to weave a script, while 'jewels' symbolize the precious nature of a good screenplay.

Meanings of 编剧

biānjù(bian1ju4)
1to write a play
2scenario
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 编剧

编剧Simplified
編劇Traditional
22Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 编剧

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Podcast: 编剧

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AI study notes for 编剧

Quick Contrast

编剧 (biānjù) vs 作家 (zuòjiā) — choose 编剧 when referring specifically to scriptwriters in film or theater, while 作家 refers to writers of literary works.

Usage Notes

This term is generally used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about film and theater. Common mistakes include confusing it with related terms like '导演' (director) or using it inappropriately in casual conversations. Be mindful of the tones: '编' is pronounced with a high level tone, while '剧' has a falling tone.

HSK Study Tips

While 编剧 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects to common HSK vocabulary related to arts and professions. Focus on related words like '电影' (movie) and '艺术' (art) to build contextual understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 编剧 with 电影演员 (movie actor), mistakenly thinking both roles involve acting. Remember, 编剧 is the writer, while 电影演员 is the performer.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 编剧

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Component characters

编biānto weave
HSK 612 strokes纟
View full entry
剧jùdrama
HSK 610 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say to write a play in Chinese

“to write a play” in Chinese is编剧biānjù

编剧 (bian1 ju4) refers to a person who writes scripts for plays, movies, or television shows. It encompasses the creative process of developing narratives and dialogue, often requiring collaboration with directors and producers in the entertainment industry.

When to use 编剧

This term is generally used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about film and theater. Common mistakes include confusing it with related terms like '导演' (director) or using it inappropriately in casual conversations. Be mindful of the tones: '编' is pronounced with a high level tone, while '剧' has a falling tone.

编剧 or something close to it

编剧 (biānjù) vs 作家 (zuòjiā) — choose 编剧 when referring specifically to scriptwriters in film or theater, while 作家 refers to writers of literary works.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 编剧 with 电影演员 (movie actor), mistakenly thinking both roles involve acting. Remember, 编剧 is the writer, while 电影演员 is the performer.

Write 编剧

编
剧

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Frequently asked questions about 编剧

编剧 refers specifically to the screenwriter who creates the script, while 导演 is the director who oversees the production and execution of that script.

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