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写字
xiě zì
to write characters
他每天都写字练习书法。
He writes characters every day to practice calligraphy.
neutral
To form characters by hand using a writing instrument.
孩子在纸上写字。
The child is writing characters on the paper.
她用毛笔写字。
She writes characters with a brush pen.
Often used in contexts of handwriting practice, calligraphy, or formal writing.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '写作'
'写字' focuses on the physical act of writing characters, while '写作' (xiězuò) refers to the broader act of writing (e.g., composing essays or articles).
Gold Rule
Handwriting vs. Typing
写字 specifically refers to handwriting. For typing on a computer or phone, use '打字' (dǎzì).
Word Origin
Composed of 写 (xiě, 'to write') and 字 (zì, 'character' or 'word'). The phrase literally means 'to write characters' and has been used in Chinese since ancient times to describe the act of handwriting.
Usage Notes
写字 is a neutral term commonly used in educational, artistic, and everyday contexts. It specifically emphasizes the formation of Chinese characters but can also refer to writing in general.
Word Breakdown
写
to write
verb字
character; word
noun汉英词典