Chinese Opera Vocabulary

A collection of key vocabulary terms related to Chinese opera, including roles, performance elements, and production aspects.

生

(Shēng) Male role in Chinese opera.

旦

(Dàn) Female role in Chinese opera.

净

(Jìng) Painted face role in Chinese opera.

丑

(Chǒu) Clown role in Chinese opera.

脸谱

(Liǎnpǔ) Facial makeup used in Chinese opera.

戏服

(Xìfú) Opera costumes worn in performances.

头饰

(Tóushì) Headwear used in Chinese opera costumes.

靠

(Kào) Armor or costume with armor in performances.

唱

(Chàng) Singing, an essential element of Chinese opera.

念

(Niàn) Speech or monologues performed by actors.

做

(Zuò) Acting in the context of Chinese opera.

打

(Dǎ) Fighting or acrobatics performed in productions.

功夫

(Gōngfu) Kung fu or martial arts skills displayed on stage.

戏剧

(Xìjù) Drama or play performed in Chinese opera.

剧本

(Jùběn) Script used for the performance.

导演

(Dǎoyǎn) Director responsible for the production.

演员

(Yǎnyuán) Actor or actress performing on stage.

舞台

(Wǔtái) Stage where the performance takes place.

观众

(Guānzhòng) Audience that watches the performance.

武打

(Wŭdǎ) Martial arts performance in Chinese opera.