Meaning
场 is primarily used as a measure word for counting events, performances, sports matches, movies, and occurrences. It can also function as a noun meaning a field, venue, or open space where activities take place. This character is extremely common in everyday speech when discussing any kind of scheduled event or performance.
Usage
As a measure word, 场 appears between a number and a noun describing an event (e.g., 一场比赛 'one match'). It's used for complete events from start to finish. When used as a noun, it often appears in compound words like 广场 (plaza), 市场 (market), or 操场 (playground). Native speakers use this constantly when discussing movies, concerts, sports, or any bounded event.
Examples
- 01昨天我看了一场很好看的电影。.Yesterday I watched a really good movie.
- 02今晚有一场足球比赛，你去吗？, ?There's a soccer match tonight, are you going?
Common collocations
- 一场比赛one game/match
- 一场电影one movie showing
- 广场plaza, public square
- 市场market
Origin
The traditional form 場 contains the earth radical 土, indicating a physical space or ground, combined with a phonetic component. The simplified form 场 uses 场 (also read as cháng in some contexts). Historically referred to open land for threshing grain, which evolved to mean any designated space for activities.