Definition
反串 originally referred to a performer playing a role outside their usual type in Chinese opera — e.g., a male actor playing a female role (or vice versa). Today it has expanded to mean any cross-gender performance or, more broadly, someone temporarily taking on a role or identity that isn't their usual one. It's used in theater, film, and even in everyday contexts like costume parties or social media skits.
verb
to play a role outside one's usual typeespecially cross-gender performance in opera or theater
v.
(verb, extended) to temporarily take on a non-customary role or identity
Examples
- 反串。Tā zài nà bù diànyǐng lǐ fǎn chuàn le yí ge nǚ juésè.In that movie, he played a female role (cross-dressing/cross-gender).
- 反串。Jīngjù zhōng yǒu hěnduō nán yǎnyuán fǎn chuàn dànjué.In Beijing opera, many male actors play female roles (dan roles).
- ，反串。Jīntiān de wǎnhuì shàng, tā fǎn chuàn le yí ge gǔdài jiāngjūn.At today's party, he dressed up as an ancient general (a role outside his usual persona).
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