A pocket dictionary for first-time viewers. Each entry gives the Chinese characters, the pinyin (with tone marks), and a short English explanation.
Core concepts
京剧JīngjùPeking OperaThe Beijing-style Chinese opera this site introduces; a 200-year-old stage art.
戏曲XìqǔChinese OperaThe broad family of traditional Chinese musical theatre that includes Jingju.
行当HángdàngRole typeThe classification system of character types (see the Four Roles).
脸谱LiǎnpǔFace paintingThe symbolic painted patterns on a Jing role's face.
The four roles (生旦净丑)
生ShēngMale roleMale characters; includes laosheng, xiaosheng, and wusheng.
旦DànFemale roleFemale characters; includes qingyi, huadan, wudan, and laodan.
净JìngPainted-face roleBold male characters with elaborate, colorful face paint.
丑ChǒuClownComic relief, marked by a small white patch on the nose.
The four skills (唱念做打)
唱ChàngSingingMelodic arias in stylized vocal registers.
念NiànRecitationRhythmic spoken dialogue and poetry.
做ZuòActingStylized movement, mime, and symbolic gesture.
打DǎCombatAcrobatic fighting and martial choreography.
Subtypes & music
老生LǎoshēngOlder maleMature, bearded male characters of stature.
小生XiǎoshēngYoung maleYoung gentlemen and lovers.
武生WǔshēngMartial maleAcrobatic fighting males.
青衣Qīngyī"Blue-robe"Virtuous, restrained female lead.
花旦HuādànVivacious femaleLively, witty young women.
西皮XīpíXipiOne of the two main musical modes of Jingju.
二黄ÈrhuángErhuangThe other main musical mode of Jingju.
文武场WénwǔchǎngEnsembleThe percussion (wu) and melody (wen) instrumental groups.
People & landmarks
梅兰芳Méi LánfāngMei LanfangThe most celebrated Dan performer (1894–1961), who brought Jingju abroad.
四大名旦Sìdà MíngdànFour Great DanThe four leading Dan actors of the early 20th century.
贵妃醉酒Guìfēi ZuìjiǔThe Drunken ConcubineA famous Dan showcase (see Repertoire).
霸王别姬Bàwáng Bié JīFarewell My ConcubineA tragic masterpiece (see Repertoire).
Tip: pinyin uses tone marks (ā á ǎ à). The same character can be pronounced differently on stage, where actors use a special stage pronunciation.