Definitions

(noun) play; drama; show
(noun) trick; joke
(verb) to play; to perform

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "military troops outside the main group". The meaning later shifted to "sport" and "play".

About

The simplified character 戏 derives from the traditional 戲, which combines the phonetic element 鬳 with the radical 戈 (halberd) to originally signify a military mock battle or martial contest. The simplified form replaces the complex left side with 又 (meaning "again" or "right hand"), while preserving the 戈 radical. Initially referring to armed drills or performances, the meaning gradually expanded beyond combat to include theatrical plays, dramas, games, and playful teasing.

Example Sentences Hide

我们在玩游

Wǒmen zài wán yóuxì.

We are playing a game.

这场很好看。

Zhè chǎng xì hěn hǎokàn.

This play is very good.

他喜欢看剧。

Tā xǐhuān kàn xìjù.

He likes watching dramas.

不要弄别人。

Bùyào xìnòng biérén.

Don't tease others.

时间结束了。

Yóuxì shíjiān jiéshù le.

Game time is over.

剧表演非常精彩。

Xìjù biǎoyǎn fēicháng jīngcǎi.

The drama performance is extremely wonderful.

她在这部中饰演母亲。

Tā zài zhè bù xì zhōng shìyǎn mǔqīn.

She plays the mother in this drama.

孩子们在公园里嬉玩耍。

Háizimen zài gōngyuán lǐ xīxì wánshuǎ.

The children are playing and having fun in the park.