笔记

• Pinyin: bǐ jì
• Hanzi breakdown: 笔 (bǐ) — pen, brush; 记 (jì) — to record, to note down

Meaning

Notes; written record. Typically refers to notes taken in class, at meetings, or while reading.

Refers to the act of note-taking as well as the notes themselves. Common collocations: 做笔记 (take notes), 记笔记 (jot down notes).

Examples

1. 我上课的时候喜欢做笔记。 I like to take notes during class.
2. 她的笔记写得很整齐。 Her notes are written very neatly.
3. 请把这些重要的笔记保存好。 Please keep these important notes safe.

Usage Guide

Context: studying, meetings, reading

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我要做笔记。(I need to take notes.)
• 你有这节课的笔记吗？(Do you have notes from this lesson?)

Don't Say

• Avoid saying 写笔记本 to mean 'take notes' — 做笔记 or 记笔记 is the natural expression; 写笔记本 implies writing in a notebook rather than the act of note-taking.

Origin & History

Classical Chinese compound: 笔 (bǐ, brush/pen) + 记 (jì, to record). Originally referred to written records made with a brush.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal