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写作 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
写作xiězuòto writeHSK 5, v, 12 strokes, rank #4860, Hard
写作xiězuòto composeHSK 5, v, 12 strokes, rank #4860, Hard
写作xiězuòwritingHSK 5, v, 12 strokes, rank #4860, Hard
写作xiězuòwritten worksHSK 5, v, 12 strokes, rank #4860, Hard
xiězuò(xie3zuo4)xie zuo T3
  1. 1to write
  2. 2to compose
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March 24, 2026

写作(寫作)xiězuò(xie3zuo4)

写作 (xiězuò) refers to the act of writing or composing texts, often used in formal contexts such as academic or literary writing. It encompasses the creation of various written works, including essays, stories, and articles, highlighting the importance of clarity and structure in communication.

Strokes12Frequency#4860DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, writing is highly valued, especially in academic and literary circles. The tradition of calligraphy (书法) also emphasizes the aesthetic aspect of writing, making it an integral part of cultural heritage.

Memory tip

Think of 写 (xiě) as a 'pen' writing on paper, while 作 (zuò) resembles a 'person working hard' to create something. Imagine a scene where a diligent writer is passionately crafting a story, connecting the idea of writing with effort and creativity.

Meanings of 写作

xiězuò(xie3zuo4)
1to write
2to compose
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 写作

写作Simplified
寫作Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4860Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2BCT✓CEFRA2

Podcast: 写作

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Podcast: 写作

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AI study notes for 写作

Quick Contrast

写 (xiě) vs 创作 (chuàngzuò) — use 写作 for formal writing tasks, while 创作 emphasizes creative composition.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of using 写作 in formal contexts; it may not be appropriate for casual conversations where simpler terms like 写 (xiě) are more common. Common collocations include '写作技巧' (writing skills) and '写作课程' (writing courses). Also, remember to use the correct tones to avoid confusion.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 学写作 (learning to write) is essential for students at this level, as it connects to other vocabulary related to education and communication. Focus on practicing writing essays and reports to enhance your skills.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 写作 with just writing, using it in contexts where simpler terms would suffice, such as saying '我喜欢写作' when '我喜欢写' is more appropriate for casual writing. Another mistake is misusing tones; remember that 写 (xiě) is third tone and 作 (zuò) is fourth tone.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 写作

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Component characters

写xiěto write
HSK 15 strokes冖
View full entry
作zuōto do
HSK 67 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say to write in Chinese

“to write” in Chinese is写作xiězuò

写作 (xiězuò) refers to the act of writing or composing texts, often used in formal contexts such as academic or literary writing. It encompasses the creation of various written works, including essays, stories, and articles, highlighting the importance of clarity and structure in communication.

When to use 写作

Be mindful of using 写作 in formal contexts; it may not be appropriate for casual conversations where simpler terms like 写 (xiě) are more common. Common collocations include '写作技巧' (writing skills) and '写作课程' (writing courses). Also, remember to use the correct tones to avoid confusion.

写作 or something close to it

写 (xiě) vs 创作 (chuàngzuò) — use 写作 for formal writing tasks, while 创作 emphasizes creative composition.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 写作 with just writing, using it in contexts where simpler terms would suffice, such as saying '我喜欢写作' when '我喜欢写' is more appropriate for casual writing. Another mistake is misusing tones; remember that 写 (xiě) is third tone and 作 (zuò) is fourth tone.

Write 写作

写
作

Practice writing 写作 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 写作

写作 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 4 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

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

请按照老师的要求____文。

Please write the essay according to the teacher's requirements.

Example sentences for 写作 (10)

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1
上为期一周的专业课,提高你的写作技能。

shàng wéiqī yī zhōu de zhuānyè kè, tígāo nǐ de xiězuò jìnéng。

Polish up your writing skills on a one-week professional course.
2
他的辅导教师发现了他在阅读和写作方面进步的迹象。

tā de fǔdǎo jiàoshī fāxiàn le tā zài yuèdú hé xiězuò fāngmiàn jìnbù de jìxiàng。

His remedial teacher sees signs of progress in his reading and writing.
3
他的写作得益于他感到已故的林肯一直在他身后激励着他。

tā de xiězuò déyì yú tā gǎndào yǐ gù de lín kěn yìzhí zài tā shēn hòu jīlì zhe tā。

His writing benefits from the shade of Lincoln hovering over his shoulder.
4
写作是宣泄强烈感情的好方法。

xiězuò shì xuānxiè qiángliè gǎnqíng de hǎo fāngfǎ。

Writing is a good tool for discharging overwhelming feelings.
5
让人耳目一新的是作者轻松自如的会话式写作风格。

ràng rén ěrmùyìxīn de shì zuòzhě qīngsōng zìrú de huì huà shì xiězuò fēnggé。

What is refreshing is the author's easy, conversational style.
6
他们将集中教授阅读、写作和算术基础知识。

tāmen jiāng jízhōng jiàoshòu yuèdú、 xiězuò hé suàn shù jīchǔ zhīshi。

They will concentrate on teaching the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.
7
他能模仿大多数自己崇拜的偶像的讲话和写作风格。

tā néng mófǎng dàduōshù zìjǐ chóngbài de ǒuxiàng de jiǎnghuà hé xiězuò fēnggé。

He could imitate in speech or writing most of those he admired.
8
写作文之前先写个提纲.

xiězuò wén zhīqián xiān xiě gè tígāng.

Make an outline before trying to write a composition.
9
直到1974年,他的写作才华才又得以发挥。

zhídào1974 nián, tā de xiězuò cáihuá cái yòu déyǐ fāhuī。

It was not until 1974 that his ability to write gelled again.
10
他写作时手边总备有一本词典.

tā xiězuò shí shǒu biān zǒng bèi yǒu yī běn cídiǎn.

When he writes , he always keeps a dictionary at hand.

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Frequently asked questions about 写作

Practice regularly by writing essays or journal entries, and seek feedback from teachers or peers.

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