简写 (jiǎn xiě) — to write (characters) in simplified form; to shorten; to abbreviate; to simplify (a text, a work) for readers or beginners

Definition

Literally 'write briefly' — to put traditional or complex text into a shorter, simpler form for readers. Pairs with 缩写, which is specifically 'to abbreviate' (a name, title, or term).

verb
to write (characters) in simplified formto shortento abbreviateto simplify (a text, a work) for readers or beginners

Examples

  • ，简写。
    Zhè piān xiǎo shuō shì fán tǐ zì xiě de, qǐng bǎ tā jiǎn xiě chéng jiǎn tǐ zì.
    This novel is written in traditional characters, please simplify it into simplified characters.
  • ，简写。
    Zhè běn shū tài nán le, lǎo shī jiàn yì dà jiā jiǎn xiě yí xià.
    This book is too difficult; the teacher suggests everyone simplify it a little.
  • ，简写‘’。
    Zhè ge míng chēng tài cháng le, wǒ men tōng cháng jiǎn xiě wèi 'zhōng xìn'.
    This name is too long; we usually shorten it to 'Zhongxin'.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

简jiǎnsimple
写xiěwrite

简 brings the sense of simple or abbreviated, and 写 is writing, so it means to write in simplified form.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 簡; 简 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
竹竹zhú
Sound part声符shēngfú
間
閒xián簡jiǎn
Same sound today

In the traditional form 簡, 竹 (bamboo) is paired with 間 (also written 閒) as a sound part; the simplified 简 is a later shorthand.

Open 简 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 寫; 写 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
宀宀mián
Sound part声符shēngfú
舄
舄xì寫xiě
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 寫 combines 宀 with 舄 for the sound; this note is about 寫, not the simplified 写.

Open 写 →

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