huàbái

话白

Word · Noun · VerbTraditional話白

opera dialogue; storytelling opening

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 4 examples
1.

noun

spoken dialogue in traditional Chinese opera

technical

Refers to the spoken parts in Chinese opera, distinct from sung arias. Requires specific rhythmic delivery and articulation techniques.

Zhè这
duàn段
huà话
bái白
xū需
yào要
niàn念
de得
yǒu有
yùn韵
wèi味
 。

This passage of dialogue needs to be spoken with flavor.

Jīng京
jù剧
zhōng中
 ，
huà话
bái白
yǔ与
chàng唱
qiāng腔
tóng同
yàng样
zhòng重
yào要
 。

In Peking Opera, spoken dialogue is just as important as singing.

2.

verb

to deliver the opening remarks in traditional storytelling

technical

Specifically refers to the practice in traditional Chinese storytelling (pingshu) where the performer delivers introductory remarks after reciting an opening poem and striking the 'wake wood' block.

Lǎo老
xiān先
sheng生
huà话
bái白
wán完
bì毕
 ，
pā啪
de的
yī一
shēng声
pāi拍
xià下
xǐng醒
mù木
 。

After the old master finished his opening remarks, he slammed the wake wood with a loud crack.

Píng评
shū书
yǎn演
yuán员
huà话
bái白
shí时
 ，
shēng声
yīn音
yào要
hóng洪
liàng亮
qīng清
xī晰
 。

When storytelling performers deliver their opening remarks, their voices must be loud and clear.