táicí: 台词 - (Actor's) Lines, Script, Dialogue

Keywords: táicí, 台词, Chinese for actor's lines, script in Chinese, movie dialogue, play script, learn Chinese, what does taici mean, memorize lines in Chinese, Chinese acting, Chinese film.

Summary: In Chinese, 台词 (táicí) is the essential term for an actor's lines in a movie, play, or TV show. It refers to the specific words a character speaks, from a single phrase to an entire monologue. Understanding táicí is crucial for anyone interested in Chinese media, as memorizing and analyzing dialogue is a fantastic way to improve language skills and appreciate the art of Chinese acting. This page will break down its meaning, cultural importance, and practical use.

Pinyin (with tone marks): táicí

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: The scripted words spoken by a character in a performance.

In a Nutshell: Think of 台词 (táicí) as the direct Chinese equivalent of the English word “lines” in the context of acting. It's the “what to say” part of any performance. When you watch a movie and a character delivers a powerful speech, you're hearing their 台词. It can refer to one specific line, a character's dialogue in a scene, or all the spoken parts within a script.

台 (tái): This character's most relevant meaning here is “stage,” “platform,” or “terrace.” It originally depicted a high platform or tower, which is a fitting image for a performance space.

词 (cí): This character means “word,” “phrase,” or “term.” It's a fundamental component of language.

When combined, 台词 (táicí) literally translates to “stage words.” This paints a clear and logical picture of its meaning: words that are meant to be spoken on a stage or in a performance setting.

The Importance of “Line Foundation” (台词功底): In Chinese acting circles, an actor's 台词功底 (táicí gōngdǐ), or their “foundational skill in line delivery,” is highly prized. This goes beyond simple memorization. It encompasses pronunciation, rhythm, emotional weight, and the ability to convey a character's inner world through voice alone. Critics and audiences will often praise or condemn a performance based on the quality of the actor's line delivery, sometimes even more so than their physical acting.

Cultural Comparison: While Western acting certainly values vocal performance, there can sometimes be a greater emphasis on naturalism, improvisation, or method acting. In the Chinese tradition, especially in classically-trained theater, the perfect and powerful recitation of the written 台词 is often seen as the pinnacle of the craft. A great actor makes the scripted words sound both poetic and profoundly real.

From Screen to Street: Iconic 台词 from popular movies and TV shows frequently become part of the national lexicon. These 经典台词 (jīngdiǎn táicí), or “classic lines,” are used as catchphrases, jokes, and cultural references in everyday conversation, much like how “I'll be back” or “May the Force be with you” function in English.

In the Entertainment Industry: This is the standard term used by actors, directors, screenwriters, and fans. You'll hear it constantly when discussing a film or play. For example: “The director asked me to revise this line of dialogue (这句台词).”

For Language Learners: Memorizing and practicing 台词 from Chinese dramas or movies (a practice known as 背台词, bèi táicí) is an extremely effective learning method. It helps master natural intonation, rhythm, and vocabulary in a specific context.

Metaphorical Use: In daily life, if someone says something that sounds overly dramatic, rehearsed, or insincere, you might jokingly ask, “这是你的台词吗？(Zhè shì nǐ de táicí ma?)” - “Is that your line?” It implies the person isn't speaking from the heart but is instead delivering a pre-planned speech.

剧本 (jùběn) - The entire screenplay or script, including more than just the dialogue.

对白 (duìbái) - Dialogue. Often used as a synonym for 台词, but can specifically emphasize a conversation between two or more characters.

背台词 (bèi táicí) - A key verb-object phrase meaning “to memorize lines.”

台词功底 (táicí gōngdǐ) - The highly valued foundational skill of an actor's line delivery.

经典台词 (jīngdiǎn táicí) - Classic, iconic, or famous lines from a performance.

演员 (yǎnyuán) - Actor or actress; the person who delivers the 台词.

导演 (dǎoyǎn) - Director; the person who guides the actor's delivery of the 台词.

电影 (diànyǐng) - Movie. A common medium where you find 台词.

电视剧 (diànshìjù) - TV Series / TV drama. Another primary source of 台词.

编剧 (biānjù) - Screenwriter; the person who writes the 台词.