写

xiě v.

To transfer or move something from one place to another. To write, compose, describe, or draw.

Common Usage & Traps

  • 写字 (xiě zì) — to write characters
  • 写名字 (xiě míngzi) — to write one's name
  • 写书 (xiě shū) — to write books/a book
  • 写一本书 (xiě yī běn shū) — to write a book
  • 写一个书 写一本书

    书 uses the measure word 本, not 个. 写一本书 is the natural HSK 1 phrase.

Why is 了 used in "写了找猫的话" instead of just "写"?

Use 写了 when the writing is done and the note exists.

In the story, the note is already written and posted. 了 marks that completed result. Without 了, the sentence sounds like a general habit or unfinished action. The context needs the note to exist, so 写了 is the natural choice.
DimensionNaturalAvoid
Finished note有人写了找猫的话有人写找猫的话
Daily habit他每天写字他每天写了字

Can you say 写一个书 for 'write a book'?

No. Use 写一本书 or 写书; 书 takes 本, not 个.

书 uses the measure word 本, not the default 个. 写一本书 is the clear HSK 1 phrase for writing a book. 写书 is also natural when you mean writing books in general. 写一个书 sounds like a beginner measure-word mistake.
DimensionNaturalAvoid
Measure word for 书写一本书写一个书
General activity他喜欢写书他喜欢写一个书

Appears in Stories 4 stories

Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.

《大学者和小人物》 (The Scholar and the Cookie Seller) HSK 5
~8 min read 882 chars
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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.

  • 于是他便 写 了一封长信给大学者胡之适。

  • 胡之适接到这封信,知道了他虽然只是一位卖饼干的,竟然能在业余勤奋自学;问的又是胡博士最关心的英美政治问题,更觉十分高兴,便立即亲自 写 了一封回信。

《找“大白”》 (Looking for Big White) HSK 1
~5 min read 361 chars
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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.

  • 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。

《三号病房的苹果》 (The Apple in Ward Three) HSK 1
~3 min read 191 chars
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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.

  • 桌子上有老先生 写 的字:“我的朋友,你天天都好!”

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