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Basic Words for Understanding Chinese Media

Language learning efforts by students in library setting.

Learning a new language can be exciting and challenging at the same time, particularly when you’re starting to engage with media content. To help you on your journey to understanding Chinese media, here are some basic but essential words along with their definitions and example sentences in context.

新闻 (xīn wén)
This word means “news.” It’s used to refer to news articles, broadcasts, and reports in both digital and print media.
我每天早上都会看新闻。
(I read the news every morning.)

报道 (bào dào)
“报道” translates to “report” or “coverage.” This word is commonly found in news reports, where information on events is being presented.
新闻报道了昨晚的风暴情况。
(The news reported on last night’s storm conditions.)

媒体 (méi tǐ)
The term for “media,” including all forms of communication like television, radio, newspapers, and the internet.
媒体对这次选举的关注非常大。
(The media is paying great attention to this election.)

节目 (jié mù)
Meaning “program” or “show,” this term is used for TV programs, radio shows, and other scheduled broadcasting content.
这个电视节目非常受年轻人的欢迎。
(This TV program is very popular among young people.)

广播 (guǎng bō)
“广播” can mean “broadcast” or “radio.” It specifies the distribution of audio or video content to a dispersed audience.
早晨的时候,我喜欢听新闻广播。
(I like to listen to the news broadcast in the morning.)

电视 (diàn shì)
Simply put, this word stands for “television.” It’s a medium for transmitting moving images in two or three dimensions and sound.
电视里正在播放国家队的比赛。
(The national team’s game is being televised.)

网络 (wǎng luò)
This translates to “internet,” the global system of interconnected computer networks.
他通过网络发现了很多学习资源。
(He found many learning resources through the internet.)

直播 (zhí bō)
“直播” means “live broadcast,” which refers to content broadcast in real-time over the internet or television.
很多人喜欢看直播的体育比赛。
(Many people enjoy watching live sports events.)

热点 (rè diǎn)
This word can be translated as “hotspot” or “trending topic.” It’s used to describe issues that are currently popular and widely discussed in the media.
这周的热点新闻是关于环境保护的。
(This week’s hotspot news is about environmental protection.)

评论 (píng lùn)
“评论” stands for “comment” or “review,” which are opinions or analyses of particular issues, especially on cultural articles or events.
我读了关于那部电影的评论。
(I read the comments on that movie.)

版面 (bǎn miàn)
This word means “layout” or “page” and is used to describe the arrangement of text, images, and other items on a printed or digital page.
这个网站的版面设计得很清新。
(The layout of this website is very fresh and clean.)

栏目 (lán mù)
“栏目” refers to a “column” or “section” within a newspaper, website, or television program dedicated to a particular topic.
我最喜欢的栏目是关于旅游的。
(My favorite column is the one about travel.)

编辑 (biān jí)
The word for “editor” or “edit,” it relates to the process of preparing and arranging materials for publication or broadcast.
编辑正在为明天的报纸做最后的准备。
(The editor is making final preparations for tomorrow’s newspaper.)

Familiarizing yourself with these words will facilitate a better understanding of Chinese media. Whether you’re reading a newspaper article, watching a TV show, or browsing the internet, these basic terms will help you navigate the vast world of Chinese-language content more efficiently. Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be able to understand and engage with Chinese media like a native speaker.

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