verb HSK 1
Traditional 寫
to write · to compose
Meaning
写 is one of the most fundamental verbs in Chinese, meaning to write or to compose text. It applies to any form of writing, from handwriting characters to typing on a computer to composing essays or books.
Usage
This is an extremely common everyday verb. Native speakers use it for all types of writing activities. It can take various objects like 字 (characters), 信 (letters), 作业 (homework), or 书 (books). Often combined with completive aspect 完 as in 写完 (finish writing).
Examples
- 01我每天写日记。.I write in my diary every day.
- 02你写完作业了吗？?Have you finished writing your homework?
Common collocations
- 写作业to do homework
- 写信to write a letter
- 写完to finish writing
- 写下来to write down
Origin
The traditional form 寫 originally depicted a magpie (鳥 bird component) under a roof, suggesting the idea of transferring or moving things. Over time it came to mean to write or transfer thoughts onto paper. The simplified form 写 uses 与 as a phonetic component.