Pronunciation: [hanʃˈɛŋ] (IPA) 
The word "hansheng" is spelled as "hànshēng" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "hàn" is pronounced with a rising tone (2nd tone) and is represented by /xàn/. The second syllable "shēng" is pronounced with a falling-rising tone (4th tone) and is represented by /ʂə́ŋ/. Together, the word means "Chinese sound" or "Chinese pronunciation". It is used to describe the tones and accents used in speaking the Chinese language.
Hansheng is a Chinese term that refers to a concept of vocal modulation or voice change in Chinese opera. In Chinese, "han" means to chant or sing, while "sheng" means life or birth. Combined, hansheng can be translated as "singing life" or "bringing a character to life through singing."
Hansheng plays a crucial role in Chinese opera, particularly in the dramatic presentation of characters. It refers to the use of specific vocal techniques, such as pitch, rhythm, and tone, to portray different roles and personalities on stage. These techniques allow the opera singer to express emotions, social status, age, and gender of the character they are portraying.
In Chinese opera, there are various types of hansheng, each representing a different character role. The four main categories include: Qing Sheng (gentle male), Lao Sheng (elderly male), Wu Sheng (martial male), and Xia Sheng (young male). Each category has a distinct vocal style, and the artists must master the unique techniques to accurately convey the characteristics of the character they are performing.
Overall, hansheng is an essential element in Chinese opera, not only serving as a tool for characterization but also elevating the aesthetic value of the performance. It requires a high level of vocal skill, expressiveness, and understanding of the character's traits to effectively bring the role to life and engage the audience.
The word "hansheng" is of Chinese origin and consists of two characters: "han" (含) and "sheng" (声).
The character "han" (含) in this context means "to contain" or "to bear", and it can also represent the idea of "to cherish" or "to hold".
The character "sheng" (声) means "sound" or "voice". It is associated with the idea of speaking or expressing through sound.
When combined, the word "hansheng" (含声) can be translated as "to hold one's voice" or "to contain one's voice". It is often used in the context of suppressing or repressing one's opinions, emotions, or desires.
