To write, record, or inscribe with a brush.
A book, letter, document, or piece of writing. A brush (丨) tracing two horizontal strokes on a scroll, with a dot of ink.
书
Common Usage & Traps
- 看书 — to read a book
- 读书 — to read; to study
- 一本书 — one book
- 书里 — in the book
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书读读书Chinese verb-object order puts the verb first. 书读 reverses the natural order and sounds wrong.
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看字看书For reading a book, the natural HSK 1 verb is 看 or 读 with 书. 看字 is not a standard beginner collocation.
What is the difference between 书 and 字?
书 is a book; 字 is a written character.
书 refers to a book as an object. 字 refers to a single written character. You read a 书, but you write a 字.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | 书 = book; 字 = character | Mixing them up |
| Example | 我看书。 | 我看字。 |
| Example | 我写汉字。 | 我写汉书。 |
Can 书 be used alone in a sentence?
Yes, 书 can stand alone as a noun meaning book.
书 can be used completely on its own, as in 这是书. It also combines with verbs like 看 and 读 to form common phrases.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone | 这是书。 | 这是读书。 |
| With verb | 我看书。 | 我书看。 |
Appears in Stories 7 stories
Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.
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他除了做饼干、卖饼干，还爱读一点 书 ，喜欢与人讨论政治制度。
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如有我可以帮你小忙的事，如找你自己找不着的 书 之类，我一定很愿意做，”从此，元真便成了博士胡之适的“我的朋友”了。
This playful poem turns numbers into a rhythm of daily life. As you read, practice counting, days of the week, and common time words in a fun, memorable way.
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工作两三年，休息四五天， 读书 一小时，吃饭五分钟。
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。
This playful poem helps you count and practice vocabulary about clothes, students, and pets. Enjoy the rhythm while learning new words.
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一两件新衣服，两三本 汉语书 。
This simple story introduces you to a family and what each member likes to do. Learn helpful words for food and daily activities as you read about Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, and the kids.
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弟弟想 读书 。
This short poem plays with words that sound alike, comparing things that are good to watch, read, hear, or taste. Perfect for practicing basic adjectives like 好 and 真.
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好电影好看，好 书 不好看。
Ever noticed how similar Chinese words can be? This rhyme plays with place names and homophones, from schools to hotels, even throwing in Samsung's origin. A lighthearted way to boost your word power.
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书店 有好 书 ，饭店吃和住，酒店没有酒。
Questions & Discussion 0 questions
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