Definition
戏剧 (xìjù) is the general term for drama as an art form or a specific play, covering both traditional and modern works. It is broader than 话剧 (huàjù, modern spoken drama) and more formal/artistic than 戏 (xì), which often refers to a specific performance or traditional opera in everyday speech. Use 戏剧 for the genre or a written play; use 戏 for a casual 'show' or 'opera'.
noun
dramaplay (as a literary or performance work)theater (as an art form)
Easily confused
- 喜剧xǐ jùsound-alikecomedy (film, play, or genre)
Examples
- 戏剧。Zhè bù xì jù huòdé le guójì dàjiǎng.This play won an international award.
- 戏剧。Tā cóngxiǎo jiù duì xì jù hěn gǎn xìngqù.He has been very interested in drama since childhood.
- 戏剧。Zhōumò wǒmen qù kàn xì jù ba.Let's go see a play this weekend.
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