Definition
演戏 is a separable verb (离合词) literally meaning 'to perform in a play'. It also has an extended metaphorical meaning 'to pretend, to put on an act'. In its literal sense, you can split the two syllables to insert complements, measure words, or duration — e.g., 演了一出戏 ('put on a play'). In the figurative sense, it is often used in fixed expressions like 别演戏了 ('stop pretending'). Both usages are common in everyday speech.
v.o.
to act in a playto perform on stage(figurative) to pretendto put on an act
Examples
- 。Tāmen yǎn le yì chū fēicháng jīngcǎi de xì.They put on a very wonderful play.
- 演戏，。Bié yǎn xì le, wǒ zhīdào nǐ gēnběn méi shēngqì.Stop pretending — I know you're not angry at all.
- 演戏，。Tā cóngxiǎo jiù xǐhuan yǎn xì, hòulái chéng le zhuānyè yǎnyuán.She loved acting since she was a child, and later became a professional actor.
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