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原稿
yuángǎo
original manuscript
编辑正在修改作者提交的原稿。
The editor is revising the author's original manuscript.
formal
The initial version of a written work before editing or publication.
这部小说的原稿已经丢失了。
The original manuscript of this novel has been lost.
记者将原稿发送给编辑部审核。
The journalist sent the original manuscript to the editorial department for review.
Commonly used in publishing, journalism, and academic writing to refer to the unedited version of a text.
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '草稿'
'原稿' implies the initial version before any editing, while '草稿' (draft) can refer to any intermediate version during the writing process.
Gold Rule
Context matters
In publishing, '原稿' is neutral and technical. In creative writing, it may carry emotional weight as the 'raw' version of a work.
Word Origin
Composed of '原' (original) and '稿' (draft/manuscript). '稿' derives from the Chinese character for 'straw' (禾秆), historically used for writing materials.
Usage Notes
In professional contexts, '原稿' specifically refers to the unedited version submitted for review. Avoid using it to mean 'draft' in casual conversation unless the context is clear.
Word Breakdown
原
original, initial
root稿
draft, manuscript
root汉英词典