Keywords: diange, dian ge, 点歌, how to request a song in Chinese, KTV Chinese term, song dedication in Chinese, dian ge meaning, Chinese karaoke, 点歌 in English, karaoke vocabulary
Summary: Learn the essential Chinese term 点歌 (diǎn gē), which means “to request a song” or “dedicate a song.” This is a fundamental phrase for anyone wanting to experience a cornerstone of modern Chinese social life: KTV (karaoke). This guide breaks down its meaning, cultural significance at karaoke bars and on live streams, and provides numerous practical examples to help you sing your heart out with friends in China.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): diǎn gē
Part of Speech: Verb-Object Phrase (often functions as a single verb)
HSK Level: N/A (but essential for daily social life)
Concise Definition: To select or request a song to be played or sung.
In a Nutshell:点歌 (diǎn gē) is the action of choosing a song from a list, typically for someone to sing or for it to be played. Think of the verb 点 (diǎn) as meaning “to select from a menu,” just like you would 点菜 (diǎn cài), “to order food.” And 歌 (gē) simply means “song.” Put them together, and you get the ubiquitous phrase for requesting a song at KTV, from a live band, or on a radio show.
Character Breakdown
点 (diǎn): This character's original meaning is a “dot” or a “point.” As a verb, it extends to the action of “pointing at” something to choose it. This is why it's the standard verb for ordering things from a list, whether it's food (`点菜`), a delivery (`点外卖`), or in this case, a song.
歌 (gē): This character means “song” or “to sing.” It's composed of two parts: the right side `欠` (qiàn) depicts a person with an open mouth (as in yawning or singing), and the left side `哥` (gē) primarily provides the phonetic sound.
Together: The meaning is very literal and intuitive: “to select (点) a song (歌).”
Cultural Context and Significance
点歌 (diǎn gē) is more than just a functional phrase; it's the key that unlocks major social activities in Chinese culture.
The Heart of KTV Culture: KTV (Karaoke) is arguably one of the most popular forms of social entertainment in China. It's where friends gather, colleagues bond after work, and families celebrate. The entire activity revolves around 点歌. The process of browsing the songbook, choosing songs for yourself, and especially choosing songs you think a friend would love to sing, is a core part of the bonding experience. Unlike requesting a song from a DJ in a public Western bar, KTV is a private group event where everyone is an active participant, and 点歌 is the primary way to participate.
From Radio Romance to Digital Gifting: In the past, 点歌 was famously associated with calling into a radio station to dedicate a song to a loved one—a romantic and heartfelt gesture. This tradition has evolved and found a new, massive stage in the world of Chinese live streaming (直播, zhíbō). Viewers can 点歌 for their favorite streamers to perform, often by sending virtual gifts. This has transformed 点歌 into a form of direct audience interaction and a key part of the digital economy for online performers.
Practical Usage in Modern China
点歌 is used in several common entertainment contexts, almost always informally among friends and peers.
At KTV (Karaoke): This is the most common use. You'll use a remote control, a touch screen, or an app on your phone to browse and select songs.
Example: “快，轮到你了，去点歌吧！” (Kuài, lún dào nǐ le, qù diǎn gē ba! - Quick, it's your turn, go request a song!)
In Live Streams (直播): Viewers type in comments to request songs or, more commonly, pay for a song request.
Example: Streamers often have a list of prices: “付费点歌” (fùfèi diǎn gē - Pay to request a song).
At Bars/Venues with Live Music: If there's a live band or a pianist, you can walk up and politely 点歌.
Example: “你好，请问这里可以点歌吗？” (Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn zhèlǐ kěyǐ diǎn gē ma? - Hello, can one request songs here?)
Example Sentences
Example 1:
你想点什么歌？
Pinyin: Nǐ xiǎng diǎn shénme gē?
English: What song do you want to request?
Analysis: This is a classic example of how 点歌 can be separated. The object “what song” (什么歌) is placed between the verb 点 and the object-noun 歌. This is a very common structure.
Example 2:
我来点一首周杰伦的歌。
Pinyin: Wǒ lái diǎn yī shǒu Zhōu Jiélún de gē.
English: Let me request a song by Jay Chou.
Analysis: Here, `一首 (yī shǒu)` is the measure word for songs. Again, it's placed between 点 and 歌. `来 (lái)` is used informally to mean “let me do it.”
English: I want to dedicate this song to my friend.
Analysis: This shows the “dedication” aspect of 点歌. The phrase `送给 (sòng gěi)` means “to give to as a gift.”
Example 5:
这个KTV的点歌系统非常先进。
Pinyin: Zhège KTV de diǎn gē xìtǒng fēicháng xiānjìn.
English: This KTV's song request system is very advanced.
Analysis: 点歌 can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to the action, like the 点歌系统 (song request system).
Example 6:
别着急，你点的歌马上就到了。
Pinyin: Bié zhāojí, nǐ diǎn de gē mǎshàng jiù dào le.
English: Don't worry, the song you requested is up next.
Analysis: This shows a past action. `你点的歌` literally means “the song you requested.” The `的 (de)` connects the noun `歌` with the action that modified it.
Example 7:
他是麦霸，已经连续点了十首歌。
Pinyin: Tā shì màibà, yǐjīng liánxù diǎn le shí shǒu gē.
English: He's a microphone hog; he's already requested ten songs in a row.
Analysis: A culturally rich sentence. It introduces the concept of `麦霸 (màibà)`, the person who dominates the microphone at KTV.
Example 8:
今晚大家随便点歌，我请客！
Pinyin: Jīnwǎn dàjiā suíbiàn diǎn gē, wǒ qǐngkè!
English: Everyone, feel free to request whatever songs you want tonight, my treat!
Analysis: `随便 (suíbiàn)` means “casually” or “as one pleases,” perfectly capturing the relaxed and generous atmosphere of a KTV outing.
English: I'm not very good at using this remote control, can you teach me how to request songs?
Analysis: A perfect and practical question for any beginner going to KTV for the first time.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Treating it like a single verb.
A common mistake for English speakers is to forget that 点歌 is a verb-object phrase. You cannot say `*我点歌一首` (`Wǒ diǎn gē yī shǒu`). The number and measure word must go in the middle.
Incorrect: 我点歌一首。
Correct: 我点一首歌。 (Wǒ diǎn yī shǒu gē.)
Mistake 2: Using overly formal words.
Do not use a formal word like `请求 (qǐngqiú)` which means “to formally request” or “to petition.” Saying `我请求一首歌` (Wǒ qǐngqiú yī shǒu gē) at a KTV would sound incredibly strange and out of place. 点歌 is the natural and correct term for this informal, fun context.
Nuance: `点` vs. `选 (xuǎn)`
`选 (xuǎn)` means “to choose” or “to select.” While you could say `选一首歌 (xuǎn yī shǒu gē)`, it's more general. You might use `选` when choosing a song to listen to by yourself on Spotify. 点歌 specifically implies an interactive context: you are requesting it from a system or a performer for it to be played for a group. In a KTV or live music setting, 点歌 is always the more idiomatic choice.
Related Terms and Concepts
KTV (KTV) - The most common place to 点歌. An abbreviation for Karaoke Television.
唱歌 (chàng gē) - To sing a song. This is the action that usually follows 点歌.
点菜 (diǎn cài) - To order food. A perfect parallel concept that helps you understand the usage of the verb `点`.
麦霸 (màibà) - Lit. “microphone hegemon/tyrant.” A slang term for someone who hogs the microphone at KTV and doesn't give others a chance to sing.
切歌 (qiē gē) - To cut/skip a song. The action of stopping a song midway through to move to the next one in the queue. The opposite of enjoying a requested song!
歌手 (gēshǒu) - Singer; vocalist. The artist whose song you are requesting.
直播 (zhíbō) - Live stream. The modern digital venue where 点歌 is a primary form of audience interaction.
主播 (zhǔbō) - A live streamer or online host. The person you might 点歌 from during a live stream.
卡拉OK (kǎlā'ōukèi) - The full, original loanword for “Karaoke,” though “KTV” is far more common in mainland China.