In 15 Seconds
- Use it to say 'record a video' in any situation.
- Works as both a verb and a noun for video recordings.
- Common in both daily life and professional security contexts.
Meaning
It simply means to record a video or film something. You use it when you're hitting the record button on your phone or a camera.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a friend's birthday party
我给你录像吧！
Let me record a video for you!
In a formal meeting
今天的会议需要录像吗？
Does today's meeting need to be recorded?
Texting a friend about a concert
别忘了录像，我想看！
Don't forget to record it, I want to see!
Cultural Background
The term gained massive popularity in the 1980s and 90s with the arrival of VHS tapes in China. 'Video halls' (录像厅) were the precursors to modern cinemas for many people. Today, while '视频' (shìpín) is more common for digital files, '录像' remains the standard term for the act of recording.
Verb-Object Structure
You can split it! `录个像` (lù ge xiàng) makes you sound much more like a native speaker in casual conversation.
Video vs. Audio
Don't use `录像` if you're just recording a voice message. That's `录音` (lùyīn). If they can't see your face, don't use 'image' (像)!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to say 'record a video' in any situation.
- Works as both a verb and a noun for video recordings.
- Common in both daily life and professional security contexts.
What It Means
录像 is your go-to word for capturing moving pictures. Think of it as the digital or tape version of 'filming.' It combines 录 (to record) and 像 (image/likeness). It is straightforward and very common.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or a noun. If you are recording your friend dancing, you are 录像. If you are watching a security tape, that tape is a 录像. It is very flexible in daily speech. Just don't confuse it with 录音, which is only for audio!
When To Use It
Use it when you are at a concert. Use it when you are recording a lecture. It is perfect for capturing a birthday party. If you are a YouTuber, you use this word every single day. It feels natural in almost any setting where a camera is involved.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for taking a still photo. That is 拍照. Also, avoid it for big-budget cinema. For Hollywood movies, use 拍摄. If you just want to say 'watch a video' on YouTube, use 看视频 instead. 录像 sounds a bit more like the act of recording or the physical record itself.
Cultural Background
In the 90s, this word was all about VCRs and VHS tapes. Every Chinese neighborhood had a 录像厅 (video hall) for watching movies. Today, it has transitioned perfectly into the smartphone era. It carries a sense of nostalgia for older generations but remains modern for Gen Z.
Common Variations
You will often hear 录视频. This is the more modern, 'internet' way to say it. 录像 feels slightly more official or traditional. In formal settings like a courtroom or news station, you might hear 录像制品. For a quick text, just 录 is often enough if the context is clear.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and works in all registers. In very casual modern contexts, '录视频' is often preferred over '录像'.
Verb-Object Structure
You can split it! `录个像` (lù ge xiàng) makes you sound much more like a native speaker in casual conversation.
Video vs. Audio
Don't use `录像` if you're just recording a voice message. That's `录音` (lùyīn). If they can't see your face, don't use 'image' (像)!
The 'Video Hall' Era
If you talk to older Chinese people about `录像厅`, they'll likely reminisce about watching Hong Kong action movies in crowded, smoky rooms.
Examples
6我给你录像吧！
Let me record a video for you!
A very common way to offer to film a moment.
今天的会议需要录像吗？
Does today's meeting need to be recorded?
Used here to ask about official documentation.
别忘了录像，我想看！
Don't forget to record it, I want to see!
Short and imperative for casual texting.
哎呀，我忘了点录像键！
Oh no, I forgot to hit the record button!
Focuses on the specific action of the button.
快录像！他走路了！
Quick, record it! He's walking!
Used in a moment of high excitement.
我们可以看昨天的录像吗？
Can we see yesterday's recording?
Here, it functions as a noun referring to the footage.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to tell someone to film a dance.
他在跳舞，快帮他 ___。
录像 means to record video, while 录音 is only for audio.
Identify the noun form for 'security footage'.
警察在看监控 ___。
监控录像 is the standard term for surveillance/security footage.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Recording'
Used with friends for social media.
录个视频
Standard term for any video recording.
录像
Used in legal or professional contexts.
录像制品
When to use 录像
Concerts
Recording a song
Security
Surveillance footage
Family
Baby's first steps
Work
Recording a webinar
Practice Bank
2 exercises他在跳舞，快帮他 ___。
录像 means to record video, while 录音 is only for audio.
警察在看监控 ___。
监控录像 is the standard term for surveillance/security footage.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means 'to record,' and as a noun, it means 'the recording' or 'the footage' itself.
Usually, for YouTube or TikTok, people say 录视频 (lù shìpín). 录像 sounds slightly more traditional or related to a physical camera.
No, for photos you must use 拍照 (pāizhào). 录像 specifically implies a sequence of images (video).
They are mostly the same. 录影 (lùyǐng) is more common in Taiwan and southern China, while 录像 is the standard in Mainland China.
You can say 停止录像 (tíngzhǐ lùxiàng) or more simply 别录了 (bié lù le) in casual settings.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral. For example, 会议录像 (meeting recording) is a standard professional term.
For professional filmmaking, 拍摄 (pāishè) is better. 录像 sounds more like home movies or surveillance.
It means 'video tape.' While rare now, you might see it in old movies or museums.
It is neutral. It’s not slang, but it’s not overly stiff either. It’s safe to use everywhere.
The most common mistake is using it when you only mean audio. Remember, 像 means 'image'!
Related Phrases
录音
To record audio
视频
Video (the digital file)
拍照
To take a photo
监控
Surveillance / Monitoring
