The word 偶像剧 is formed by combining 偶像, meaning 'idol' (from 偶 implying 'idol' or 'figure' and 像 meaning 'image' or 'likeness'), with 剧, meaning 'drama' or 'play,' resulting in a direct literal meaning of 'idol drama,' which refers to a genre of television dramas featuring idol actors or centered on themes popular in idol culture.