xiě: 写 - To Write, To Compose, To Draw/Paint

Keywords: xiě, 写, to write in Chinese, how to say write in Chinese, Chinese character for write, write Chinese characters, compose, describe, draw, Mandarin verb for writing, HSK 1

Summary: 写 (xiě) is the fundamental and most common verb in Mandarin Chinese for “to write.” An essential HSK 1 word, it covers the physical act of writing characters (写字), composing emails or articles (写文章), and can even extend to figurative meanings like describing an emotion on someone's face. Understanding 写 is a cornerstone for any beginner learning to read, write, and communicate in Chinese.

Pinyin (with tone marks): xiě

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 1

Concise Definition: To put words or symbols on a surface; to compose; to draw or sketch.

In a Nutshell: 写 (xiě) is your go-to verb for almost any situation involving the creation of text or symbols with your hand. Think of it as the direct equivalent of the English “to write.” It's one of the first verbs you'll learn and use constantly, from practicing your first Chinese characters to writing a shopping list or sending a text message. While its core meaning is simple, it's a versatile word that can also mean “to compose” a story or “to describe” something vividly.

A helpful mnemonic for learners is to imagine someone under a 宀 (roof), perhaps at a desk, performing the act of writing or record-keeping. The character encapsulates the idea of settled, focused creation.

In Chinese culture, the act of writing, 写字 (xiě zì), is elevated far beyond mere communication. 书法 (shūfǎ), or calligraphy, is considered one of the highest art forms, on par with painting. The way a person writes has historically been seen as a reflection of their character, education, and inner discipline.

This reverence for writing has deep historical roots. In imperial China, success in the highly competitive civil service examinations—which required extensive writing—was the primary path to social mobility and prestige.

Comparison to Western Culture: While good penmanship is appreciated in the West, it's generally viewed as a practical skill. In contrast, traditional Chinese culture places a much stronger emphasis on the aesthetic and moral dimensions of writing. The “scholar” archetype, skilled in poetry, painting, and calligraphy, is a cultural ideal with no direct equivalent in the West. Learning to 写 is not just learning a skill; it's participating in a rich cultural tradition.

Sketching or Drawing: While 画 (huà) is the main verb for drawing, the term 写生 (xiěshēng) means “to sketch from life,” showing the overlap between creating characters and creating images.

“False Friend” with English “Right”: The English word “write” sounds identical to “right.” In Chinese, these concepts are completely different. 写 (xiě) only ever means to write. The word for “right” or “correct” is 对 (duì). Never use 写 to mean “correct.”

写字 (xiě zì) - To write characters. The most basic, physical application of 写.

打字 (dǎ zì) - To type. The modern, digital equivalent of 写字.

写作 (xiě zuò) - Composition; to write (often in a professional or academic capacity). More formal than just 写.

书法 (shū fǎ) - Calligraphy. The art of writing characters beautifully.

填写 (tián xiě) - To fill in (a form, a blank). A specific type of writing.

画 (huà) - To draw, to paint. The related concept for creating images instead of text.

作家 (zuò jiā) - An author, a writer. A person whose profession is to 写.

描述 (miáo xiě) - To describe, to depict. A more literary and specific form of writing.

笔记本 (bǐ jì běn) - A notebook. The object you 写 in.

汉字 (hàn zì) - Chinese characters. The things that you learn to 写.