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写字 (xiě zì) — to write Chinese characters

Definition

A verb-object phrase meaning 'to write Chinese characters'. 写 alone covers any kind of writing; 写字 specifically focuses on forming characters, often by hand.

verb
to write Chinese characters

Examples

  • 写字。
    Tā zhèng zài xiě zì.
    He is writing Chinese characters.
  • 。
    Tā xiě le yí gè zì.
    He wrote one character.
  • 。
    Wǒ xiě guò zì.
    I have written Chinese characters.

Origin

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 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 →

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

Meaning part形符xíngfú
宀宀miánroof
Sound part声符shēngfú
子
子zǐ字zì
Same sound today

字 pairs 宀 (roof) with 子 (child); 子 gives the sound, while 宀 relates to the meaning.

Open 字 →
Appears in
Reading & Writing

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