Common Usage & Traps
- 写字 — write characters
- 写名字 — write your name
- 写信 — write a letter
- 写作业 — do written homework
- 写书 — write a book
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写一个信写一封信Letters get counted with 封, not 个.
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写笔用笔写Name the tool with 用 first: 用笔写 means write with a pen.
写
Origin & Mnemonic:
To set something down, pour it out, or transfer it from one place to another. To write, draw, describe, or record thoughts and words. A roof (冖) over 与 (giving), as if giving shape to words on a page.
Can you use 写 for drawing a picture?
No. 写 is for words, 画 is for pictures.
写 only covers words and characters. The moment you make a picture, that verb is 画. So you 写字 but 画一只猫. Swap them and native ears hear you 'drawing' letters onto paper.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Writing words | 写字 | 画字 |
| Drawing a cat | 画一只猫 | 写一只猫 |
Is it 写作业 or 做作业 for homework?
Both work. 写作业 = writing, 做作业 = doing any subject.
People say both every day. 写作业 stresses the writing part. 做作业 just means getting it done, whatever the subject. For math or reading, 做作业 fits better.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on writing | 写作业 | 做作业 (if only copying) |
| Any subject, any task | 做作业 | 写作业 (for math or reading) |
How do you say 'write to me' in Chinese?
You need 给: 写给我 or 给我写信. Never 写我.
You can't drop a person right after 写 the English way. Add 给 to mark who receives it: 写给我, or say 给我写信. Bare 写我 sounds like you're writing the word 'me'.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Write to me | 写给我 | 写我 |
| Write me a letter | 给我写信 | 写我一封信 |
Appears in Stories 4 stories
A young man helps an old man look for his cat. But the real surprise is why the old man wanted to find the cat. Read on to learn about kindness and friendship.
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一天，白天明在学校大门口前边看见有人 写 了找猫的话：“我想找一只大白猫。
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我 写了 找猫的话，天天有人打电话问我‘老先生，猫找到了吗’。
This short, soothing piece is about missing someone on a rainy night. The sentences are simple and repeat often, so you can practice reading while feeling the warm emotion.
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我看着电脑， 写下 了几个字：小雨，我想你。
This playful rhyme helps you learn family words in Chinese. Practice saying who's who with simple questions and answers!
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人人爱学习，天天去学校，上午读读书，下午 写写字 。
Enjoy this simple story about a patient and a mysterious apple. It shows how a small act of kindness can make someone feel at home, and you'll learn key words for feelings and daily life.
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桌子上有老先生 写 的字：“我的朋友，你天天都好！”
Questions & Discussion 0 questions
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