唱片: meaning, pinyin, and usage

Understanding "唱片" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 唱片
• Pinyin: chàng piàn
• Literal Meaning: “singing disc” or “song disc”
• Primary Meaning: A music record, album, or phonograph record; it can refer to physical records and, in broader modern usage, music albums.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 唱片 is used to talk about recorded music, especially physical music formats such as vinyl records, old-style records, or albums released by singers and bands. In modern Chinese, it can also appear in phrases related to the music industry, such as 唱片公司, meaning “record company” or “record label.”
  Compared with 专辑, which usually means “album” and is very common today for digital or physical albums, 唱片 often has a slightly more traditional or industry-related feeling. It may make learners think of vinyl records, CDs, or commercial music releases.

• Character Breakdown:

• 唱: means “to sing.” It is related to singing, songs, and vocal performance.
• 片: means “piece,” “slice,” “card,” or “disc.” In this word, it suggests a physical disc or record.

Together, 唱片 literally suggests a “disc for songs,” which naturally developed into the meaning “record” or “music album.”

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 我买了一张老唱片。
• Pinyin: Wǒ mǎi le yì zhāng lǎo chàng piàn.

• English: I bought an old record.

• Chinese: 这家唱片公司签了很多有名的歌手。

• Pinyin: Zhè jiā chàng piàn gōng sī qiān le hěn duō yǒu míng de gē shǒu.

• English: This record company has signed many famous singers.

• Chinese: 她的新唱片下个月发行。

• Pinyin: Tā de xīn chàng piàn xià ge yuè fā xíng.
• English: Her new album will be released next month.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

唱片 is strongly connected with the development of the modern Chinese music industry. In the past, it often referred to physical records, especially vinyl records. Later, it was also used for CDs and commercial album releases. Today, even though many people listen to music digitally, 唱片 still appears in formal or industry-related expressions, such as 唱片公司, “record label,” and 唱片销量, “record sales.”

A useful measure word for 唱片 is 张, as in 一张唱片, meaning “one record” or “one album.” 张 is commonly used for flat objects, such as paper, tickets, photos, and discs.

Conclusion

唱片 means “record” or “music album.” Remember that 唱 means “to sing,” and 片 suggests a “disc” or “piece,” so 唱片 can be understood as a “song disc.” It is especially useful when talking about records, albums, and the music industry in Chinese.