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March 24, 2026
写(寫)xiě(xie3)
The character 写 (xiě) means 'to write' and encompasses a range of actions including composing text, making drawings, and sketching. It is commonly used in contexts related to writing letters, essays, or any form of written communication. The nuance suggests not just the act of writing, but also the creativity involved in composing.
Strokes5Radical冖Frequency#269DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
Writing is deeply valued in Chinese culture, often seen as a form of art, especially in calligraphy. The practice of writing characters beautifully is an important cultural tradition, reflecting one's education and personal refinement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a pen (the radical for writing) and letting their imagination flow onto the page. The character 写 has a visual resemblance to a person sketching, with the left part suggesting a hand in motion, reinforcing the idea of writing.
Meanings of 写
xiě(xie3)
1to write
2to write; to draw, to sketch; to compose
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 写
写Simplified
寫Traditional
5Strokes
冖Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#269Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 写
Podcast: 写
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AI Study Notes for 写
Quick Contrast
写 (xiě) vs 书 (shū) — use 写 for the act of writing or composing, while 书 refers specifically to the written work or book itself.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 写 with other similar characters like 书 (shū, book) or 写字 (xiězì, to write characters). Use 写 in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful to use the correct tone; it’s a third tone, so ensure to pronounce it correctly to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 写 connects to basic vocabulary related to actions and communication. Focus on practicing it in simple sentences, such as '我写信' (wǒ xiě xìn - I write a letter) to reinforce its meaning and use.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 写 with 画 (huà, to draw). For example, saying '我画信' (wǒ huà xìn) instead of '我写信' (wǒ xiě xìn) to say 'I write a letter' is a common error. Always remember that 写 specifically refers to writing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 写
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How Well Do You Know 写?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 写 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
Phonosemantic compound. 宀 represents the meaning and 舄 represents the sound. The contribution of the 宀 (roof) component to the meaning is unclear. Perhaps used since writing is typically done indoors. The simplified character 写 was adapted from th
The character 写 (xiě) means 'to write' and encompasses a range of actions including composing text, making drawings, and sketching. It is commonly used in contexts related to writing letters, essays, or any form of written communication. The nuance suggests not just the act of writing, but also the creativity involved in composing.
When to use 写
Common mistakes include confusing 写 with other similar characters like 书 (shū, book) or 写字 (xiězì, to write characters). Use 写 in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful to use the correct tone; it’s a third tone, so ensure to pronounce it correctly to avoid misunderstandings.
写 or something close to it
写 (xiě) vs 书 (shū) — use 写 for the act of writing or composing, while 书 refers specifically to the written work or book itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 写 with 画 (huà, to draw). For example, saying '我画信' (wǒ huà xìn) instead of '我写信' (wǒ xiě xìn) to say 'I write a letter' is a common error. Always remember that 写 specifically refers to writing.
Write 写
写
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Grammar Patterns of 写
写 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.
