【Learn Chinese】Let’s watch TV

In today's fast-paced world, watching TV is a popular way to relax and unwind. Whether you're tuning in to catch the latest drama, a sports event, or a comedy show, television offers endless entertainment.
If you're learning Chinese, knowing some TV-related vocabulary can make it even more enjoyable to watch Chinese programs. Let's explore some essential Chinese words and phrases related to watching TV!

电视 (Diànshì) – Television
The word "电视" is made up of two characters: "电" (diàn), which means "electricity," and "视" (shì), which means "to see" or "sight." Together, they form the word for "television." When you want to say "watch TV," you can use the phrase "看电视" (kàn diànshì).

频道 (Pín dào) – Channel
When you switch between different programs on TV, you change the "频道." This word is composed of "频" (pín), which means "frequency," and "道" (dào), which means "path" or "way." You can ask someone, "你想看哪个频道?" (Nǐ xiǎng kàn nǎgè píndào?), which means "Which channel do you want to watch?"

遥控器 (Yáo kòng qì) – Remote Control
To change channels or adjust the volume, you need a remote control. In Chinese, a remote control is called "遥控器." This word is composed of "遥" (yáo), meaning "distant," "控" (kòng), meaning "to control," and "器" (qì), meaning "device." You can say "请把遥控器给我" (Qǐng bǎ yáokòngqì gěi wǒ), which means "Please give me the remote control."

节目 (Jié mù) – Program/Show
A TV show or program is called "节目." This word is often used to describe different types of content on TV, such as dramas, news, or variety shows. For example, "我喜欢看综艺节目" (Wǒ xǐhuan kàn zōngyì jiémù) means "I like to watch variety shows."

新闻 (Xīn wén) – News
If you want to stay informed, you can watch the news on TV. The word "新闻" means "news." It is commonly used to refer to current events and information. You might hear someone say, "我们来看新闻吧" (Wǒmen lái kàn xīnwén ba), which means "Let's watch the news."

电影 (Diàn yǐng) – Movie
Watching movies on TV is a great way to spend your time. The word "电影" is made up of "电" (diàn), meaning "electricity," and "影" (yǐng), meaning "shadow" or "image." When you want to watch a movie, you can say "我想看电影" (Wǒ xiǎng kàn diànyǐng), which means "I want to watch a movie."

喜剧 (Xǐ jù) – Comedy
For a good laugh, you can watch a comedy show or movie. The word "喜剧" means "comedy." It is derived from "喜" (xǐ), which means "happy" or "joyful," and "剧" (jù), which means "drama" or "play." You might hear someone say, "我喜欢看喜剧" (Wǒ xǐhuan kàn xǐjù), which means "I like to watch comedies."

动画片 (Dòng huà piàn) – Cartoon
Cartoons are a favorite among children and adults alike. In Chinese, a cartoon is called "动画片." This word is made up of "动" (dòng), meaning "to move," "画" (huà), meaning "picture," and "片" (piàn), which means "film" or "movie." You can say "我喜欢看动画片" (Wǒ xǐhuan kàn dònghuàpiàn), which means "I like to watch cartoons."

情景喜剧 (Qíng jǐng xǐ jù) – Sitcom
A sitcom, or situational comedy, is called "情景喜剧" in Chinese. This type of show is known for its humorous situations and recurring characters. You might hear someone say, "我喜欢看情景喜剧" (Wǒ xǐhuan kàn qíngjǐngxǐjù), which means "I like to watch sitcoms."