撰写

• Pinyin: zhuàn xiě
• Hanzi breakdown: 撰 = 扌 + 巽 (compose); 写 = 冖 + 与 (write)

Meaning

To write; to compose; to author. To create written works, especially formal or scholarly texts.

A formal verb for the act of writing, particularly for academic papers, reports, official documents, or literary works. Implies careful composition and intellectual effort. More elevated than 写.

Examples

1. 他正在撰写一篇学术论文。 He is writing an academic paper.
2. 这份报告由专家组共同撰写。 This report was co-written by a panel of experts.
3. 撰写简历需要突出个人优势。 Writing a resume requires highlighting your strengths.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, professional, publishing

Tone: scholarly

Do Say

• 撰写学位论文是研究生的必修环节。(Writing a thesis is a required component for graduate students.)
• 他受邀为杂志撰写专栏文章。(He was invited to write a column article for the magazine.)

Don't Say

• 撰写短信 — too formal for casual writing; use 写 or 发 for text messages

Origin & History

撰 (to compose, write) + 写 (to write)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal