书

• Pinyin: shū
• Hanzi breakdown: 书 = simplified from 書; originally depicted writing with a brush

Meaning

Book. A written or printed work consisting of pages bound together.

One of the most common nouns in Chinese. Used broadly for any kind of book, including textbooks, novels, and reference materials. Appears in many compounds: 书包 (schoolbag), 书店 (bookstore), 图书馆 (library), 看书 (to read a book), 读书 (to study/read).

Examples

1. 这本书很好看。 This book is really good.
2. 我在看书。 I am reading a book.
3. 请把书放在桌子上。 Please put the book on the table.

Usage Guide

Context: education, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你喜欢看什么书？(What kind of books do you like to read?)
• 这本书是我的。(This book is mine.)

Don't Say

• 我看了一个书。(Wrong measure word — say 一本书; books use the measure word 本, not 个)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a hand holding a brush writing on a tablet. Simplified from the traditional 書.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal