编写

• Pinyin: biān xiě
• Hanzi breakdown: 编 = 纟 (silk/thread) + 扁 (flat); 写 = 冖 (cover) + 与 (give)

Meaning

To compile; to write; to compose (books, documents, programs).

Refers to the process of writing and compiling materials, especially textbooks, manuals, or code. Implies systematic organization rather than creative writing. Often used in academic, technical, and programming contexts.

Examples

1. 这本教材是由多位专家共同编写的。 This textbook was compiled by multiple experts together.
2. 他花了两年时间编写这套词典，收录了三万多个词条。 He spent two years compiling this dictionary, which includes over 30,000 entries.
3. 公司正在招聘能独立编写技术文档的工程师。 The company is recruiting engineers who can independently write technical documentation.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, technical, publishing

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 这本手册是谁编写的？(Who compiled this manual?)
• 我们需要编写一份操作指南。(We need to write an operation guide.)

Don't Say

• 把写小说叫编写 (Don't use 编写 for creative fiction — use 写作 or 创作; 编写 implies systematic compilation)

Origin & History

编 (compile) + 写 (write). To compile and write.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal