Definition
叫座 is a verb-object separable compound (离合词) meaning 'to attract a large audience' or 'to be a box-office success'. It is typically used for plays, shows, and films. You can split it in A-not-A questions: 叫不叫座? ('Does it draw a crowd?'). The set phrase 叫好不叫座 contrasts critical praise with audience popularity.
v.o.
(of a performance, show, or film) to be popular and attract a large audienceto be a box-office hit
Examples
- 叫座。Zhè bù diànyǐng fēicháng jiào zuò.This movie is a big box-office hit.
- ？Zhè chū xì jiào bú jiào zuò?Does this play draw a large audience?
- 。Nà bù diànyǐng jiào hǎo bú jiào zuò.That film is critically acclaimed but not popular with audiences.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.