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撰写 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
撰写zhuànxiěto writeHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #19813, Very Hard
撰写zhuànxiěto composeHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #19813, Very Hard
zhuànxiě(zhuan4xie3)zhuan xie T4
  1. 1to write
  2. 2to compose
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March 24, 2026

撰写(撰寫)zhuànxiě(zhuan4xie3)

撰写 (zhuànxiě) means 'to write' or 'to compose,' often in a formal context such as writing documents, articles, or reports. This term emphasizes the process of crafting written material with care and intention, typically used in professional or academic environments.

Strokes20Frequency#19813DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the act of writing holds significant importance, particularly in academic and professional settings, where撰写 is associated with producing quality work that reflects one's education and effort.

Memory tip

Think of 撰 (zhuàn) as a pen (the radical is '扌', which is related to actions done by hand) writing down thoughts, while 写 (xiě) also means 'to write.' Together, they create a vivid image of someone thoughtfully composing text.

Meanings of 撰写

zhuànxiě(zhuan4xie3)
1to write
2to compose
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About 撰写

撰写Simplified
撰寫Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 撰写

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AI study notes for 撰写

Quick Contrast

撰写 (zhuànxiě) vs 写 (xiě): Use 撰写 for formal or structured writing, while 写 is more general and can refer to any act of writing.

Usage Notes

This term is more formal than simply saying '写 (xiě)' which means 'to write.' It is often used in academic or professional writing contexts. Be mindful of using the correct tones; mispronouncing 撰 (zhuàn) can change its meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

撰写 is not included in the HSK levels but is relevant for advanced learners aiming for formal writing skills. Students should focus on the contexts in which formal writing is required, as well as collocations like 撰写论文 (to write a thesis) or 撰写报告 (to write a report).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 撰写 with the more casual 写. For example, saying '我撰写一封信' (I will 撰写 a letter) is incorrect; it's more natural to say '我写一封信'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 撰写

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Component characters

撰zhuànto compose, to write
15 strokes扌
View full entry
写xiěto write
HSK 15 strokes冖
View full entry

How to say to write in Chinese

“to write” in Chinese is撰写zhuànxiě

撰写 (zhuànxiě) means 'to write' or 'to compose,' often in a formal context such as writing documents, articles, or reports. This term emphasizes the process of crafting written material with care and intention, typically used in professional or academic environments.

When to use 撰写

This term is more formal than simply saying '写 (xiě)' which means 'to write.' It is often used in academic or professional writing contexts. Be mindful of using the correct tones; mispronouncing 撰 (zhuàn) can change its meaning entirely.

撰写 or something close to it

撰写 (zhuànxiě) vs 写 (xiě): Use 撰写 for formal or structured writing, while 写 is more general and can refer to any act of writing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 撰写 with the more casual 写. For example, saying '我撰写一封信' (I will 撰写 a letter) is incorrect; it's more natural to say '我写一封信'.

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撰
写

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Frequently asked questions about 撰写

No, 撰写 is more formal and is commonly used in professional or academic contexts, whereas 写 is a general term for writing.

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