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A2 noun 10 min read

讲演

jiǎng yǎn
Examples
Explanation 讲演 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to build their Chinese vocabulary. The word 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) might seem a bit advanced for absolute beginners, but it is a very useful word to recognize. It means 'speech' or 'lecture'. You can think of it as a formal talk given by one person to a group of people. Even if you don't give speeches yourself yet, you might hear this word when people talk about school, university, or important events on television. For example, if your teacher stands in front of the class to talk about a big topic, that is a kind of 讲演. The word is made of two parts: 讲 (jiǎng) which means to speak, and 演 (yǎn) which means to perform or show. So, it is like a speaking performance. At this level, you just need to know that when someone says 讲演, they are talking about a formal presentation. You don't need to worry about complex grammar rules for it yet. Just practice recognizing the characters and the sound. You can try saying simple sentences like '我听讲演' (I listen to a speech) or '他做讲演' (He gives a speech). Remember that it is different from just chatting with friends. Chatting is casual, but a 讲演 is prepared and formal. As you learn more Chinese, you will see this word more often, especially in educational settings. Keep practicing the pronunciation: jiǎng yǎn. The third tone goes down and up, so both syllables have that bouncy sound. Try to listen for it in Chinese videos or podcasts. Knowing words like this helps you understand the broader context of what people are talking about, even if you don't understand every single word they say. It is a stepping stone to understanding more complex topics in Chinese culture and society.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to express more detailed ideas and understand slightly more complex texts. The word 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) becomes very relevant here as you learn to talk about school, work, and public events. It means 'speech' or 'lecture' and can be used as both a noun (the speech itself) and a verb (to give a speech). You should now be able to use it in basic sentences. For example, you can say '他明天有一个讲演' (He has a speech tomorrow) or '这个讲演很有意思' (This speech is very interesting). You will start noticing that it is often paired with specific verbs, like 作 (zuò) to mean 'make a speech' or 听 (tīng) to mean 'listen to a speech'. It is important to remember that 讲演 is for formal situations. You wouldn't use it to describe a casual conversation with your family. Instead, use it when talking about a presentation in class, a talk by a famous person, or a formal address by a leader. You might also encounter the word 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng), which means exactly the same thing and is actually more commonly used in modern spoken Chinese. Don't be confused if you see them used interchangeably; they are practically twins. At this stage, try to incorporate 讲演 into your vocabulary when describing your daily life, especially if you are a student or a professional. Practice writing short paragraphs about a speech you heard or a presentation you have to give. Pay attention to the measure words used with it, usually 次 (cì) or 场 (chǎng). For instance, '一次精彩的讲演' (a wonderful speech). By mastering the basic usage of 讲演, you will significantly improve your ability to discuss formal events and academic topics, which is a key requirement for A2 proficiency.
Reaching the B1 level means you are becoming more independent in your language use. You can handle most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. The word 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) is a crucial part of your vocabulary at this stage because you will need to discuss topics related to education, professional life, and current events. You should now be comfortable using 讲演 in more complex sentence structures. You are expected to know how to use it with various modifiers and prepositions. For example, '他发表了一篇关于环境保护的讲演' (He delivered a speech about environmental protection). Here, you are using the formal verb 发表 (fābiǎo, to deliver/publish) and the preposition 关于 (guānyú, about). You should also be able to express opinions about a speech, using adjectives like 精彩 (jīngcǎi, wonderful), 枯燥 (kūzào, boring), or 成功 (chénggōng, successful). At the B1 level, you must clearly distinguish 讲演 from related words like 报告 (bàogào, report) and 讲座 (jiǎngzuò, academic lecture). You know that a 讲演 can be motivational or political, while a 讲座 is strictly educational. You should also be comfortable with the fact that 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng) is a more common alternative. In your listening and reading practice, you will encounter 讲演 in news reports, articles, and formal announcements. You should be able to grasp the main points of a 讲演 if it is delivered clearly and concerns familiar matters. In your speaking and writing, try to use 讲演 to describe experiences, events, and your reactions to them. For example, you could write a short review of a TED Talk you watched, referring to it as a 讲演. This demonstrates your ability to use the word in a practical, real-world context, moving beyond simple memorization to active, nuanced application.
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At the B2 level, you possess a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Your use of 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) should reflect this advanced capability. You are no longer just making simple statements; you are discussing the nuances, structure, and impact of a speech. You should be able to analyze a 讲演, discussing its rhetoric, its target audience, and its effectiveness. You will use advanced vocabulary to describe the speech, such as 慷慨激昂 (kāngkǎi jī'áng, impassioned), 深入浅出 (shēnrù qiǎnchū, explaining complex things simply), or 富有感染力 (fùyǒu gǎnrǎnlì, infectious/inspiring). You understand that giving a 讲演 is an art form, and you can articulate the challenges involved, such as stage fright (怯场, qièchǎng) or the need for meticulous preparation (精心准备, jīngxīn zhǔnbèi). In professional or academic settings, you can confidently use 讲演 to discuss keynote addresses, conference presentations, or political rhetoric. You are fully aware of the subtle stylistic difference between 讲演 and 演讲, perhaps noting that 讲演 sometimes places a slight emphasis on the demonstrative or explanatory aspect of the speech, though practically they remain interchangeable. Your reading comprehension allows you to understand complex articles critiquing a 讲演, and your listening skills enable you to follow the arguments presented in a formal address, even if the topic is somewhat abstract. In writing, you can compose essays or reports summarizing the key points of a 讲演 and evaluating its arguments. You are comfortable using complex grammar structures, such as passive voice or conditional clauses, in conjunction with this word. For instance, '如果他的讲演能更生动一些，效果会更好' (If his speech had been more vivid, the effect would have been better). This level of mastery demonstrates a deep understanding of formal Chinese communication.
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At the C1 level, you can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. Your command of the word 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) is sophisticated and highly nuanced. You understand its historical and cultural connotations within Chinese society, where eloquence and public speaking have long been revered skills. You can discuss the evolution of the 讲演 format in modern China, perhaps comparing traditional political addresses with contemporary, Western-influenced styles like TED Talks. You are adept at using idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary related to public speaking. For example, you might describe a speaker as 滔滔不绝 (tāotāo bùjué, pouring out words in a steady flow) or praise a speech for being 掷地有声 (zhìdì yǒushēng, sonorous and forceful). You can critically analyze the rhetorical devices used in a 讲演, such as metaphors, parallelisms, and emotional appeals. In professional contexts, you can not only understand but also deliver a complex 讲演 yourself, tailoring your language and tone to suit the specific audience and objective. You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing exactly when 讲演 is the perfect choice over 讲话 (jiǎnghuà) or 报告 (bàogào) to convey the precise level of formality and performative expectation. Your reading skills allow you to comprehend dense, academic texts that analyze the societal impact of specific historical 讲演. In writing, you can produce well-structured, persuasive essays that reference or critique famous speeches, using sophisticated cohesive devices to link your arguments. You recognize that while 演讲 is more ubiquitous in daily life, 讲演 retains a specific literary or formal flavor that can be employed for stylistic effect. Your use of the word is seamless, accurate, and culturally informed.
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At the C2 level, you have achieved near-native proficiency. You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. You can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Your understanding and usage of 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) are absolute. You grasp the most subtle shades of meaning and can employ the term in highly specialized or literary contexts. You can engage in profound discussions about the philosophy of rhetoric and the role of the 讲演 in shaping public opinion or historical events. You are familiar with classical references to public speaking in Chinese literature and can draw parallels between ancient discourse and modern 讲演. You can effortlessly switch between 讲演, 演讲, 演说 (yǎnshuō), and other related terms, choosing the exact word that perfectly captures the desired tone, historical context, or stylistic nuance. When delivering a 讲演 yourself, your command of the language is such that you can captivate an audience, using rhythm, intonation, and sophisticated vocabulary to maximize impact. You can deconstruct a 讲演 on the fly, instantly recognizing logical fallacies, rhetorical brilliance, or subtle cultural cues embedded in the speaker's words. You can write comprehensive, academic critiques of speeches, contributing original thought to the analysis of public discourse. Your vocabulary surrounding 讲演 is exhaustive, encompassing terms related to vocal projection, body language, audience psychology, and speechwriting techniques. You understand that a 讲演 is not merely a transfer of information, but a complex social and cultural event, and your language use reflects this deep, multifaceted comprehension. You use the word with the confidence, precision, and elegance of a highly educated native speaker.
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Examples
The Chinese word 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) is an essential term for learners to master, translating primarily to 'speech' or 'lecture' in English. It is a compound word formed by two characters: 讲 (jiǎng), which means to speak, explain, or discuss, and 演 (yǎn), which means to perform, play, or evolve. Together, they create a concept that is not just about talking, but about delivering a structured, often performative or highly engaging oral presentation to an audience. Understanding the nuances of this word is crucial for navigating academic, professional, and formal social contexts in Chinese-speaking environments. When people use the word 讲演, they are typically referring to a formal address given to an audience. This could range from a university professor delivering a lecture on a complex academic topic, to a business leader presenting a new strategy to their company, to a student participating in a public speaking competition. The term carries a weight of preparation and formality; it is not used for casual conversations or impromptu chats. Instead, it implies that the speaker has prepared their thoughts in advance and is delivering them with the intention to inform, persuade, or inspire. To fully grasp when to use this word, it is helpful to look at the specific contexts in which it appears.
Academic Settings
In schools and universities, 讲演 is frequently used to describe lectures given by professors or presentations given by students. It highlights the educational and informative nature of the speech.

教授做了一个精彩的 讲演.

Business Contexts
In the corporate world, giving a 讲演 might involve presenting quarterly results, pitching a new product, or outlining corporate vision. It emphasizes professionalism and clarity.

他为新产品做了一次 讲演.

Public Events
At conferences, political rallies, or community gatherings, a 讲演 is a formal address meant to reach a large group of people, often with the goal of motivation or persuasion.

市长发表了关于环保的 讲演.

Furthermore, the emotional and psychological aspects of delivering a 讲演 are significant. For many, giving a speech involves overcoming stage fright and mastering the art of rhetoric. In Chinese culture, eloquence and the ability to articulate thoughts clearly in public are highly valued skills. Therefore, when someone is praised for a good 讲演, it is a significant compliment regarding their intellect and communication abilities.

准备 讲演 需要花费很多时间.

他经常在各地 讲演.

By mastering the usage of 讲演, learners not only expand their vocabulary but also gain a deeper appreciation for how formal communication is structured and valued in Chinese society. It is a word that bridges the gap between simple language acquisition and cultural fluency, opening doors to more profound interactions and understanding in professional and academic spheres.
Learning how to effectively use 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) in sentences is a critical step for Chinese learners aiming to achieve fluency, particularly in academic and professional contexts. Because 讲演 can function as both a noun and a verb, its syntactic placement within a sentence can vary, offering a range of expressive possibilities. Understanding these structural patterns will significantly enhance your ability to communicate about formal presentations, lectures, and public speaking events. Let us delve into the various ways this versatile word can be integrated into your daily Chinese usage.
As a Noun
When used as a noun, 讲演 refers to the speech or lecture itself. It is often the object of verbs like 作 (zuò, to do/make), 发表 (fābiǎo, to publish/issue/deliver), or 听 (tīng, to listen). This is perhaps the most common way learners will encounter and use the word.

我昨天听了一个很有趣的 讲演.

As a Verb
When functioning as a verb, 讲演 describes the action of giving a speech or lecturing. In this form, it is typically followed by the topic of the speech or the audience being addressed. It conveys an active engagement in public speaking.

他明天要在大会上 讲演.

With Modifiers
To add detail to your sentences, you can use adjectives to modify 讲演. Words like 精彩 (jīngcǎi, wonderful), 枯燥 (kūzào, boring), or 成功 (chénggōng, successful) are frequently paired with it to evaluate the quality of the presentation.

那是一次非常成功的 讲演.

It is also important to note the prepositions often used in conjunction with 讲演. When specifying the topic of the speech, the preposition 关于 (guānyú, about/regarding) is frequently employed. For example, '关于历史的讲演' translates to 'a speech about history'. When indicating the audience, the preposition 向 (xiàng, towards/to) or 给 (gěi, to/for) is used, as in '向学生们讲演' (to give a speech to the students).

他发表了一篇关于经济的 讲演.

校长正在给新生做 讲演.

By practicing these various sentence structures, you will become much more comfortable discussing educational, professional, and public events. The ability to correctly formulate sentences using 讲演 not only demonstrates a solid grasp of Chinese grammar but also an understanding of the cultural importance placed on articulate and structured communication.
The word 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) is deeply embedded in the fabric of formal Chinese communication, and knowing where you are likely to encounter it is essential for contextual understanding. Unlike casual conversational words, 讲演 is reserved for specific environments where structured, authoritative, or persuasive speaking takes place. By familiarizing yourself with these settings, you can better anticipate the vocabulary and tone that will accompany the use of this word. Let us explore the primary domains where 讲演 is a common feature.
Educational Institutions
Schools, colleges, and universities are perhaps the most common places to hear the word 讲演. It is used to describe guest lectures, academic presentations, and formal addresses by faculty. In this context, it emphasizes the transfer of knowledge and intellectual discourse.

大学里经常有知名学者的 讲演.

Corporate Environments
In the business world, 讲演 is used during conferences, seminars, and major company meetings. It refers to keynote speeches, product launches, or strategic overviews presented by executives or industry experts.

经理在年会上做了一次精彩的 讲演.

Media and Public Broadcasting
You will also frequently hear 讲演 on television, radio, and online media platforms. News reports often cover political speeches, public addresses by dignitaries, or televised educational series, referring to them as 讲演.

电视上正在转播总统的 讲演.

Beyond these formal settings, 讲演 can also be found in cultural and community events. Book launches, historical society meetings, and public debates are all venues where one might listen to a 讲演. The word carries an expectation of attentiveness from the audience; it is not background noise, but a focal point of the gathering.

社区中心举办了一场关于健康的 讲演.

他的 讲演 吸引了许多听众.

Recognizing the environments where 讲演 is used helps learners contextualize the word and understand its social weight. It is a term that signifies respect for the speaker and the topic being discussed, and its usage reflects the structured ways in which information and ideas are formally shared in Chinese society.
When learning the word 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn), English speakers often encounter a few common pitfalls. These mistakes typically stem from a misunderstanding of the word's formality, its specific syntactic requirements, or confusion with similar-sounding or related terms. By being aware of these frequent errors, learners can accelerate their mastery of the word and communicate more accurately and naturally. Let us examine the most prevalent mistakes and how to avoid them.
Using it for Casual Conversations
The most common mistake is using 讲演 to describe a casual chat or an informal explanation. 讲演 implies a formal, prepared speech. For casual talking, words like 聊天 (liáotiān, to chat) or 说话 (shuōhuà, to speak) are appropriate.

错误: 我和朋友在咖啡馆 讲演. (Incorrect: I gave a speech with my friend at the cafe.)

Incorrect Verb Pairing
When using 讲演 as a noun, learners sometimes pair it with the wrong verb. While in English we 'give' or 'make' a speech, in Chinese, the most common verbs to pair with 讲演 are 作 (zuò) or 发表 (fābiǎo). Using 说 (shuō, to say) directly before 讲演 is usually incorrect.

错误: 他说了一个 讲演. (Incorrect: He said a speech.)

Confusing it with 讲座 (jiǎngzuò)
Learners often confuse 讲演 with 讲座. While both relate to speaking in front of an audience, 讲座 specifically refers to an academic lecture or a course of lectures, often involving a seated audience and a more educational focus. 讲演 is broader and can include motivational or political speeches.

注意区分 讲演 和讲座的用法.

Another subtle mistake involves the use of measure words. While 个 (gè) is a universal measure word that is sometimes used colloquially, the more accurate and formal measure words for 讲演 are 次 (cì) or 场 (chǎng). Using the correct measure word instantly elevates your Chinese and makes you sound more proficient.

正确: 他作了一次精彩的 讲演.

避免在非正式场合使用 讲演.

By consciously avoiding these common mistakes, you will ensure that your use of 讲演 is accurate, contextually appropriate, and stylistically sound. This attention to detail is what separates a beginner from an intermediate or advanced learner of the Chinese language.
The Chinese language is rich in vocabulary related to speaking, presenting, and communicating. While 讲演 (jiǎngyǎn) is a core term for 'speech' or 'lecture', there are several similar words and alternatives that learners should be aware of. Understanding the subtle distinctions between these terms allows for more precise and nuanced expression. Let us examine some of the most common synonyms and related words, and explore how they compare to 讲演.
演讲 (yǎnjiǎng)
This is the most direct synonym for 讲演. In fact, it is composed of the exact same two characters, just in reverse order. In modern Chinese, 演讲 is generally more frequently used than 讲演 to mean 'speech' or 'public speaking'. They are almost entirely interchangeable in meaning, though 演讲 might feel slightly more contemporary to some native speakers.

他的演讲和他的 讲演 一样精彩.

报告 (bàogào)
报告 translates to 'report' or 'presentation'. While a 讲演 can be inspirational or persuasive, a 报告 is typically more informational, data-driven, and formal. It is commonly used in business, government, or academic settings to present findings or status updates.

明天我需要做一个工作报告，而不是 讲演.

讲座 (jiǎngzuò)
As mentioned previously, 讲座 specifically refers to a lecture, usually academic or instructional in nature. It implies a setting where an expert imparts knowledge to an audience, often with a Q&A session at the end. It is less about performance and more about education.

教授举办了一个关于历史的讲座，而不是普通的 讲演.

Another related term is 讲话 (jiǎnghuà), which simply means 'to speak' or 'a talk'. This is a much broader and slightly less formal term than 讲演. A leader might give a brief 讲话 at a company dinner, which would be less structured and formal than a full 讲演. Understanding these distinctions is key to selecting the right vocabulary for the right situation.

领导的讲话比正式的 讲演 简短得多.

根据场合选择合适的词，比如 讲演 或报告.

By mastering not just 讲演, but its entire family of related terms, you equip yourself with the linguistic tools necessary to describe the wide variety of communicative events you will encounter in Chinese-speaking environments. This nuanced understanding is a hallmark of true language fluency.
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Examples by Level

1

我听讲演。

I listen to the speech.

Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

他做讲演。

He gives a speech.

Using 做 (zuò) as the verb 'to do/make'.

3

这个讲演很好。

This speech is very good.

Using 很 (hěn) to link noun and adjective.

4

老师在讲演。

The teacher is giving a speech.

Using 在 (zài) to indicate ongoing action.

5

我不喜欢讲演。

I don't like giving speeches.

Using 不 (bù) for negation.

6

讲演很长。

The speech is very long.

Simple descriptive sentence.

7

那是他的讲演。

That is his speech.

Using 的 (de) for possession.

8

我们在听讲演。

We are listening to the speech.

Plural subject with ongoing action.

1

他明天有一个讲演。

He has a speech tomorrow.

Time word placement at the beginning or after subject.

2

这个讲演很有意思。

This speech is very interesting.

Using 有意思 (yǒuyìsi) to describe the noun.

3

你需要准备讲演吗？

Do you need to prepare a speech?

Question particle 吗 (ma) at the end.

4

他做了一次讲演。

He gave a speech.

Using measure word 次 (cì) and completed action 了 (le).

5

讲演在下午两点开始。

The speech starts at 2 PM in the afternoon.

Expressing specific time.

6

大家都在听他的讲演。

Everyone is listening to his speech.

Using 都 (dōu) for 'all/everyone'.

7

讲演的时间太短了。

The time for the speech was too short.

Using 太...了 (tài...le) for 'too...'.

8

我昨天去听了讲演。

I went to listen to a speech yesterday.

Past action with 去 (qù) and 了 (le).

1

他发表了一篇关于环境保护的讲演。

He delivered a speech about environmental protection.

Using formal verb 发表 and preposition 关于.

2

这次讲演非常成功，观众掌声热烈。

This speech was very successful; the audience applauded enthusiastically.

Connecting two clauses to show cause and effect.

3

为了这次讲演，他准备了一个多月。

He prepared for over a month for this speech.

Using 为了 (wèile) to express purpose.

4

虽然他很紧张，但讲演还是很流利。

Although he was nervous, the speech was still fluent.

Using 虽然...但 (suīrán...dàn) for 'although...but'.

5

校长在开学典礼上做了精彩的讲演。

The principal gave a wonderful speech at the opening ceremony.

Specifying location/event with 在...上 (zài...shàng).

6

这篇讲演的内容很丰富，让我学到了很多。

The content of this speech is very rich; it made me learn a lot.

Using 让 (ràng) to indicate a result or cause.

7

我更喜欢听故事，而不是听枯燥的讲演。

I prefer listening to stories rather than boring speeches.

Using 而不是 (ér bùshì) for 'rather than'.

8

只要你多练习，你的讲演能力就会提高。

As long as you practice more, your speaking ability will improve.

Using 只要...就 (zhǐyào...jiù) for condition.

1

他的讲演深入浅出，连外行都能听懂。

His speech explained complex things simply, so even laymen could understand.

Using the idiom 深入浅出 (shēnrùqiǎnchū).

2

这场讲演不仅分析了现状，还提出了解决方案。

This speech not only analyzed the current situation but also proposed solutions.

Using 不仅...还 (bùjǐn...hái) for 'not only...but also'.

3

面对突发状况，他依然镇定自若地完成了讲演。

Facing an unexpected situation, he still calml

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