xiě

to write

HSK 1 5 strokes
Stroke order animation for 写

Words with this Character

Basic Meaning

The verb "" (xiě) primarily means "to write" using a pen, brush, or other writing tools. It can refer to writing letters, characters, or even drawing pictures.

Usage and Common Collocations

"" is often used with objects like (letter), (characters), 文章 (articles), or (drawings). Common phrases include (write a letter), (write characters), and 文章 (write an article).

Common Patterns

Notes

When using "", the focus is on the physical act of writing or drawing. It differs from "" (to speak) or "" (to read). Avoid confusing "" with "写作", which often refers to the broader act of composition or writing as a skill.

Example Sentences

请你写一封信给你的朋友。

Qǐng nǐ xiě yī fēng xìn gěi nǐ de péngyǒu.

Please write a letter to your friend.

他喜欢用毛笔写字。

Tā xǐhuān yòng máobǐ xiězì.

He likes to write characters with a brush.

请你把答案写在纸上。

Qǐng nǐ bǎ dá'àn xiě zài zhǐ shàng.

Please write the answers on the paper.