写

• Pinyin: xiě
• Hanzi breakdown: 写 = 冖 (cover/roof) + 与 (to give) — simplified from 寫, depicting careful, deliberate action

Meaning

To write. The basic verb for writing characters, words, or any text.

The primary verb for any act of writing in Chinese. Used for writing characters, letters, essays, or messages. Commonly followed by 字 (characters), 作业 (homework), 信 (letter), or 日记 (diary). For typing rather than handwriting, 打字 is used instead. An essential verb for any learner of Chinese, given the importance of character writing practice.

Examples

1. 请在这里写你的名字。 Please write your name here.
2. 我每天练习写汉字。 I practise writing Chinese characters every day.
3. 他在写作业。 He is doing his homework.

Usage Guide

Context: education, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请写下你的地址。(Please write down your address.)
• 我在写一封信。(I am writing a letter.)

Don't Say

• 用'写'表示打字。(Don't use 写 for typing on a keyboard — use 打字 or 输入 instead)

Origin & History

The character 写 (simplified from 寫) originally depicted a magpie with spread wings over a bowl, suggesting the bird's intricate movements — later reinterpreted as the careful, deliberate action of writing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal