Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 写 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
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
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
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 写? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 写?
Decomposition of 写
IDS Structure⿱冖与
写Full Character
=
冖mi4
top
与yu2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 写?
How to say to write in Chinese
“to write” in Chinese is写xiě
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 写 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
