This Mandarin Chinese Slang word is one you have to know! Why? Because we often use it in daily life, whether we’re talking with friends or family. It’s popular and if you want to keep up with the evolving meanings as each year passes, you have to be in the know!
So what does it “戏精 (xìjīng)” mean?
戏精 (Xìjīng): talented performer, or drama queen
戏 (Xì): n. drama; play.
精 (Jīng): adj. proficient; n. spirit.
In China, we use the word “戏精 (xìjīng)” as a noun to categorize two kinds of people:
1. Literal meaning: A person whose acting/performance has been great in a play, drama, tv show or movie.
2. Extended meaning: A person who is a bit pretentious, who is constantly desiring people’s attention and will try to get this attention by any exaggerated words or behavior necessary. In English we call these people “Drama Queens.”
Personally, I use this word with my friends when they are being a bit over-dramatic. Whether they have just broken up with a boyfriend and are crying on their pillow, or act too sick to be able to get their own food, it’s a useful word to keep people down to earth. Don’t be such a “戏精 (xìjīng)”!
Examples:
Wǒ bù xǐhuān hé xìjīng jiāo péngyǒu.
我 不 喜欢 和 戏精 交 朋友。
I don't like to make friends with drama queens.
Nǐ shēnbiān yǒu xìjīng ma?
你 身边 有 戏精 吗？
Are there any drama queens around here?
Jack de nǚ péngyǒu shì gè xìjīng.
Jack 的 女 朋友 是 个 戏精。
Jack’s girlfriend is a drama queen.
Quiz:
1. Which of the following people can be called “戏精 (xìjīng)”? Please choose the best answer.
A. Jack likes to spend too much time acting in drama.
B. Tom likes to attract the attention of others by his exaggerated behaviors.
C. Judy always eats too much when watching TV.
D. Mandy usually plays the goblin in the drama shows.
