verb / noun HSK 5
Traditional 演繹
yǎn
to deduce · to perform · to演出 · deduction · to interpret

Meaning

演绎 has two main meanings. In logic and mathematics, it means 'to deduce' or 'deduction' (reasoning from general principles to specific cases). In performing arts and literature, it means 'to perform' or 'to interpret' a role, story, or piece of music. Both senses share the idea of unfolding or developing something from a source.

Usage

In academic contexts, 演绎 often appears in phrases like 演绎推理 (deductive reasoning). In entertainment and arts, it describes how actors, musicians, or artists interpret and present works. Native speakers use it when discussing logical reasoning or artistic interpretation, making it more formal than casual conversation vocabulary.

Examples

  1. 01
    这位演员完美演绎了这个复杂的角色。
    Zhè wèi yǎn yuán wán měi yǎn le zhège de jué .
    This actor perfectly interpreted this complex role.
  2. 02
    科学家通过演绎推理得出了这个结论。
    xué jiā tōng guò yǎn tuī chū le zhège jié lùn.
    The scientist reached this conclusion through deductive reasoning.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 演绎推理
    yǎn tuī
    deductive reasoning
  • 演绎
    yǎn
    deductive method
  • 精彩演绎
    jīng cǎi yǎn
    brilliant performance/interpretation
  • 演绎角色
    yǎn jué
    to interpret a role

Antonyms

Origin

演 originally meant 'to flow' or 'to develop gradually,' while 绎 meant 'to unwind silk thread' and extended to mean 'to reason through' or 'to deduce.' Together they capture the process of unfolding ideas logically or expressing content through performance.

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