unknown, 15 strokes, radical 扌, rank #62022, Very Hard
zhuàn(zhuan4) T4
1to compose, to write
2to compile
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March 24, 2026
撰zhuàn(zhuan4)
The character 撰 (zhuàn) means 'to compose' or 'to write,' primarily in the context of writing texts or compiling written works. It is commonly used in formal settings, such as literary composition or academic writing, emphasizing a deliberate and thoughtful process of creation.
Strokes15Radical扌Frequency#62022DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literary culture,撰 is often associated with the creation of classical poetry and essays, which highlights the importance of careful composition and literary artistry in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a writer holding a quill (the radical 扌, which suggests hand) and carefully crafting a story. The 'zhuàn' sound can be linked to 'draw' (as in drawing words), making it easier to remember that this character is all about writing and composition.
Meanings of 撰
zhuàn(zhuan4)
1to compose, to write
2to compile
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 撰
撰Simplified
15Strokes
扌Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 撰
Podcast: 撰
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AI Study Notes for 撰
Quick Contrast
撰 (zhuàn) vs 写 (xiě) — choose 撰 for formal or literary contexts, while 写 is more general for any writing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a writer holding a quill (the radical 扌, which suggests hand) and carefully crafting a story. The 'zhuàn' sound can be linked to 'draw' (as in drawing words), making it easier to remember that this character is all about writing and composition.
Usage Notes
Learners should note that 撰 is often used in formal contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include 撰写 (zhuànxiě, to write) and 撰文 (zhuànwén, to compose an article). Be careful with the tone; the second tone is important to convey the correct meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 撰 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to other writing-related terms you might encounter, such as 写 (xiě, to write) and 文章 (wénzhāng, article). Focus on the nuances of how 撰 emphasizes a more formal, composed aspect of writing.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literary culture,撰 is often associated with the creation of classical poetry and essays, which highlights the importance of careful composition and literary artistry in Chinese history.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 撰 with 写, using it in informal contexts incorrectly. For example, saying '我撰一个信' (wǒ zhuàn yīgè xìn) instead of '我写一个信' (wǒ xiě yīgè xìn) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 撰
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Grammar Patterns of 撰
撰 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
她萌生出____写系列小说的想法。
She had conceived the idea of a series of novels.
Example Sentences for 撰 (5)
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1
她萌生出撰写系列小说的想法。
tā méng shēng chū zhuàn xiě xì liè xiǎo shuō de xiǎng fǎ。
She had conceived the idea of a series of novels.
2
汤姆仍在埋头撰写他曾允诺的那本新书 吗 ?
tāng mǔ réng zài mái tóu zhuàn xiě tā zēng yǔn nuò de nà běn xīn shū?
Is Tom still working at the new book that he promised?
3
吉尔开始从一些行业杂志接点自由撰稿的活儿。
jí ěr kāi shǐ cóng yī xiē háng yè zá zhì jiē diǎn zì yóu zhuàn gǎo de huó ér。
Jill was starting to get some freelance writing jobs from trade magazines.
4
亚历山大·拉扎勒斯是为该报撰稿的饮食评论家。
yà lì shān dà· · lā zā lè sī shì wéi gāi bào zhuàn gǎo de yǐn shí píng lùn。
Alexander Lazarus is a food critic for the newspaper.
I lapsed in my 20s, returned to it, then lapsed again, while writing the life of historical Jesus.
Cultural Notes for 撰
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literary culture,撰 is often associated with the creation of classical poetry and essays, which highlights the importance of careful composition and literary artistry in Chinese history.
Word Family of 撰
Words Containing This Character9
撰写zhuànxiěto write撰寫
杜撰to fabricate
撰稿人author (of a manuscript)
撰文article (in publication)
撰稿to write (an article for publication)
编撰to compile編撰
撰zhuànto compose
撰述to write
修撰to compile
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 撰写 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 撰
撰 (zhuàn) is more formal and implies composing or compiling, while 写 (xiě) simply means to write.
It's better suited for formal writing contexts; for casual writing, 写 is more appropriate.
Connect 'zhuàn' with 'draw' to visualize the act of composing written text.
