jīngjù: 京剧 - Peking Opera, Beijing Opera

• Keywords: jingju, Peking Opera, Beijing Opera, what is jingju, Chinese opera, 京剧, learn about jingju, traditional Chinese theater, Chinese performing arts, facial makeup, Chinese culture
• Summary: Discover 京剧 (jīngjù), the world-renowned Peking Opera (or Beijing Opera), a treasured gem of Chinese performing arts. This comprehensive guide explores the symbolism, history, distinct character roles, and vibrant performance style of this unique traditional Chinese theater. If you want to understand a cornerstone of Chinese culture and learn about jingju, this is the perfect place to start.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jīngjù
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A traditional Chinese theatrical art form combining music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics, which originated in Beijing.
• In a Nutshell: Peking Opera is not just “opera” in the Western sense. It's a complete audio-visual experience where every element is rich with symbolism. From the color of an actor's makeup to the flick of a sleeve, every detail tells a story. Instead of realism, it uses highly stylized movements, sounds, and visuals to convey emotions and actions, creating an art form that is both intensely dramatic and profoundly beautiful.

• 京 (jīng): This character means “capital city.” It's the same “jīng” used in Beijing (北京 Běijīng), the capital of China.
• 剧 (jù): This character means “drama,” “play,” or “theater.”
• Together, 京剧 (jīngjù) literally translates to “Capital City Drama,” reflecting its origins and development into a national standard in the capital, Beijing, during the Qing Dynasty.

京剧 (jīngjù) is considered a 国粹 (guócuì), or a “national quintessence” of China. It is one of the most recognizable cultural symbols of the country, representing the pinnacle of traditional Chinese theater. For centuries, it was a primary form of entertainment and moral education, staging historical epics, famous legends, and stories that reinforced core societal values like loyalty (忠), filial piety (孝), and righteousness (义). A useful comparison for a Western learner is to contrast it with Broadway musicals or Western Grand Opera.

• Symbolism vs. Realism: While a Broadway show like “Hamilton” uses realistic sets and costumes to recreate a historical period, 京剧 uses symbolism. An actor holding a tassel-whip is riding a horse; walking in a circle on stage means traveling a long distance. The focus is not on imitation but on artistic interpretation.
• Vocal Style: Western opera singers train for a rich, resonant bel canto sound. 京剧 singing is often sharp, high-pitched, and nasal, a stylized vocalization designed to express specific character types and emotions, which can be jarring to the unaccustomed ear.
• Integrated Art Form: In the West, we often separate “dance,” “theater,” and “music.” 京剧 integrates them seamlessly. An actor must be a singer, a dancer, an acrobat, and a mime, all at once. The orchestra, led by percussion, is not just accompaniment; it dictates the rhythm of every movement on stage.

Understanding 京剧 is to appreciate a different philosophy of performance—one that values symbolism and artistry over literal representation.

In contemporary China, the role of 京剧 has evolved. While it is no longer mainstream entertainment for the younger generations, it holds a place of immense cultural prestige.

• Formal Art & Tourism: You'll find 京剧 performed in prestigious theaters in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. It is a major cultural attraction for tourists and a subject of academic study.
• Generational Divide: It is common to hear young people say they “听不懂 (tīngbudǒng)” - “can't understand” - 京剧, viewing it as something their grandparents enjoy. The language used is often a more classical form of Mandarin, and appreciating the nuances requires cultural context.
• Metaphorical Use: The term can be used colloquially. If someone is being overly dramatic or their actions are very theatrical, a friend might jokingly ask, “你唱哪一出京剧呢？(Nǐ chàng nǎ yí chū jīngjù ne?)” which means “Which Peking Opera play are you performing?”
• Connotation: Its connotation is overwhelmingly positive and respectful, associated with tradition, high art, and national pride. Even those who don't personally enjoy it recognize its importance.

• Example 1:
  • 我爷爷特别喜欢听京剧。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yéye tèbié xǐhuān tīng jīngjù.
  • English: My grandpa really loves listening to Peking Opera.
  • Analysis: A very common way to talk about 京剧 as a pastime, often associated with the older generation. Note the use of “听 (tīng)” - to listen - because the musical and vocal aspects are central.
• Example 2:
  • 来北京旅游，怎么能不去看一场京剧表演呢？
  • Pinyin: Lái Běijīng lǚyóu, zěnme néng bú qù kàn yì chǎng jīngjù biǎoyǎn ne?
  • English: Since you're traveling to Beijing, how could you not go see a Peking Opera performance?
  • Analysis: This sentence frames 京剧 as an essential cultural experience for visitors to the capital.
• Example 3:
  • 京剧演员的脸谱颜色都有特殊的含义。
  • Pinyin: Jīngjù yǎnyuán de liǎnpǔ yánsè dōu yǒu tèshū de hányì.
  • English: The colors of a Peking Opera actor's facial makeup all have special meanings.
  • Analysis: This points to a specific, fascinating element of the art form—the symbolic makeup, or 脸谱 (liǎnpǔ).
• Example 4:
  • 很多外国人觉得京剧的唱腔很独特。
  • Pinyin: Hěn duō wàiguó rén juéde jīngjù de chàngqiāng hěn dútè.
  • English: Many foreigners find the vocal style of Peking Opera to be very unique.
  • Analysis: “唱腔 (chàngqiāng)” refers to the specific style of singing. This sentence acknowledges that it's noticeably different from other musical traditions.
• Example 5:
  • 她从小学习京剧，基本功非常扎实。
  • Pinyin: Tā cóngxiǎo xuéxí jīngjù, jīběngōng fēicháng zhāshi.
  • English: She has been studying Peking Opera since she was a child, so her fundamental skills are very solid.
  • Analysis: “基本功 (jīběngōng)” refers to the foundational training, which is extremely rigorous in 京剧, involving years of acrobatics, dance, and vocal practice.
• Example 6:
  • 《霸王别姬》是京剧里最经典的剧目之一。
  • Pinyin: “Bàwáng Bié Jī” shì jīngjù lǐ zuì jīngdiǎn de jùmù zhīyī.
  • English: “Farewell My Concubine” is one of the most classic plays in Peking Opera.
  • Analysis: This names a specific, famous play, providing a concrete example for learners.
• Example 7:
  • 虽然我听不太懂，但我很欣赏京剧的服装和动作。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán wǒ tīng bú tài dǒng, dàn wǒ hěn xīnshǎng jīngjù de fúzhuāng hé dòngzuò.
  • English: Although I don't really understand it, I really appreciate the costumes and movements of Peking Opera.
  • Analysis: This reflects a common modern sentiment—appreciating the aesthetics of 京剧 even without fully grasping the story or lyrics.
• Example 8:
  • 京剧被誉为中国的国粹。
  • Pinyin: Jīngjù bèi yùwéi Zhōngguó de guócuì.
  • English: Peking Opera is honored as a national quintessence of China.
  • Analysis: A formal sentence that explicitly states the cultural status of 京剧.
• Example 9:
  • 电视上正在播放一个关于京剧历史的纪录片。
  • Pinyin: Diànshì shàng zhèngzài bōfàng yí ge guānyú jīngjù lìshǐ de jìlùpiàn.
  • English: The TV is currently showing a documentary about the history of Peking Opera.
  • Analysis: Shows how the term is used in everyday media contexts.
• Example 10:
  • 那个小孩子在舞台上表演京剧，一招一式都有模有样。
  • Pinyin: Nàge xiǎo háizi zài wǔtái shàng biǎoyǎn jīngjù, yì zhāo yí shì dōu yǒumúyǒuyàng.
  • English: That child is performing Peking Opera on stage, and every single move is authentic and impressive.
  • Analysis: “一招一式 (yì zhāo yí shì)” means “every move and gesture,” highlighting the precision required in 京剧 performance.

• Not All Chinese Opera is 京剧: This is the most common mistake. 京剧 (jīngjù) is the most famous type of Chinese opera, but there are hundreds of regional forms. The general term for all Chinese opera is 戏曲 (xìqǔ). Using 京剧 to refer to, for example, Sichuan Opera (川剧 Chuānjù) or Cantonese Opera (粤剧 Yuèjù) is incorrect. Think of it like using “Jazz” to describe all American music; it's a specific, famous genre, not the whole category.
• It's More Than Just Singing: Don't call a 京剧 performer a “singer.” They are an “actor” or “performer” (演员 yǎnyuán). The role requires mastery of stylized speech, movement, and often acrobatics, not just vocal talent. The English translation “Peking Opera” can be misleading as it places the emphasis solely on the musical aspect.
• Appreciating the “Noise”: New listeners often find the percussion and high-pitched singing to be “noisy” or “chaotic.” This is a misunderstanding of its function. The clashing cymbals and wooden clappers are not random; they are a complex rhythmic language that signals actions, entrances, and emotional intensity. Learning to listen for these patterns is key to appreciation.

• 戏曲 (xìqǔ): The umbrella term for all forms of traditional Chinese opera, including 京剧.
• 脸谱 (liǎnpǔ): The symbolic facial makeup used in 京剧 to indicate a character's personality and traits (e.g., red for loyalty, white for treachery).
• 国粹 (guócuì): “National quintessence” or “national treasure.” A term used for cultural items of utmost importance, such as 京剧, calligraphy, or Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• 生旦净丑 (shēng dàn jìng chǒu): The four main role types in 京剧: the male role (生), the female role (旦), the painted-face male role (净), and the clown role (丑).
• 唱腔 (chàngqiāng): The specific style of singing or aria in Chinese opera. Different roles and opera types have distinct 唱腔.
• 票友 (piàoyǒu): An amateur enthusiast and performer of 京剧. This term shows a deep-rooted fan culture around the art form.
• 霸王别姬 (Bàwáng Bié Jī): “Farewell My Concubine,” arguably the most famous 京剧 play, known internationally thanks to the 1993 film of the same name.
• 昆曲 (Kūnqǔ): One of the oldest and most refined forms of Chinese opera, considered a predecessor and influence on 京剧.