noun HSK 5
Traditional 劇本
běn
script · screenplay · play text

Meaning

剧本 refers to the written text of a play, film, TV show, or other dramatic performance. It contains dialogue, stage directions, and scene descriptions that actors and directors use to bring a story to life. This is a formal term used in theatrical and film contexts.

Usage

剧本 is commonly used in entertainment and literary contexts when discussing theater, film, or television production. It typically requires a measure word like 部 or 个. You'll often hear it in phrases like '写剧本' (to write a script) or '改编剧本' (to adapt a script). The word has a professional, industry-specific feel rather than casual everyday usage.

Examples

  1. 01
    他花了三个月时间写这部电影剧本
    huā le sān yuè shíjiān xiě zhè diànyǐng jùběn.
    He spent three months writing this film screenplay.
  2. 02
    这个剧本是根据真实故事改编的。
    Zhège jùběn shì gēnjù zhēnshí gùshi gǎibiān de.
    This script is adapted from a true story.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一部剧本
  • 一个剧本

Common collocations

  • 剧本
    xiě běn
    to write a script
  • 改编剧本
    gǎi biān běn
    to adapt a script
  • 剧本创作
    běn chuàng zuò
    scriptwriting
  • 电影剧本
    diàn yǐng běn
    film screenplay

Origin

剧 originally meant 'severe' or 'intense' but came to mean 'drama' or 'theatrical performance.' 本 means 'root' or 'book.' Together they literally mean 'drama book' or 'theatrical text,' referring to the foundational written document for a performance.

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