chūgǎo: 初稿 - First Draft, Rough Draft

• Keywords: chugao, 初稿, first draft Chinese, rough draft Chinese, writing a draft in Chinese, manuscript, draft document, academic writing Chinese, business proposal Chinese
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 初稿 (chūgǎo), meaning “first draft” or “initial draft.” This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context in Chinese academia and business, and practical usage. Discover the crucial difference between 初稿 (chūgǎo) and 草稿 (cǎogǎo) and see 10+ real-world example sentences to master how to discuss your work in progress.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): chū gǎo
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5+ vocabulary
• Concise Definition: A first draft or initial, complete version of a written document.
• In a Nutshell: 初稿 (chūgǎo) is the term for the first complete version of a piece of writing—be it an essay, a report, a proposal, or a novel. It's understood to be a work in progress that is structured and whole, but requires further revision and polishing. It's the point where you have something solid to share for feedback.

• 初 (chū): Meaning “first,” “initial,” or “beginning.” The character is a combination of `衣` (yī - clothing) and `刀` (dāo - knife), originally depicting the very first cut made when tailoring a garment. This beautifully illustrates the idea of starting something new.
• 稿 (gǎo): Meaning “draft,” “manuscript,” or “sketch.” The character is composed of the “grain” radical `禾` (hé) and `高` (gāo) which provides the sound. The grain stalk meaning evolved to refer to the straw used for early writing materials, and eventually to the draft written upon them.

When combined, 初稿 (chūgǎo) literally translates to “first draft,” a logical and transparent combination of its parts.

The concept of a “first draft” is universal, but the role of the 初稿 (chūgǎo) in Chinese culture, particularly in academic and professional settings, has a specific flavor. It represents a crucial, respected step in a process that values iteration and collective input. In Western contexts, especially in “move fast” tech cultures, a first version might be released to the public quickly. In contrast, a 初稿 in China is typically an internal milestone. It's the formal starting point for a cycle of feedback and revision, especially with a superior (a professor, `老师`, or a boss, `老板`). Submitting a 初稿 is not a sign of imperfection but a signal of respect for the process and for the person whose feedback you are seeking. It says, “I have completed the foundational work; now I formally request your guidance to perfect it.” This aligns with cultural values that emphasize careful preparation and showing respect for hierarchy and experience.

初稿 (chūgǎo) is a standard, neutral term used widely in any context involving the creation of documents.

• In Academia: This is perhaps the most common context. Students submit their `论文初稿` (lùnwén chūgǎo - thesis first draft) to their advisors for review. It's an expected and mandatory part of the graduation process.
• In Business: Teams will prepare a `计划书初稿` (jìhuàshū chūgǎo - proposal first draft) or a `报告初稿` (bàogào chūgǎo - report first draft) for internal review before presenting it to a client or upper management.
• In Creative Fields: Authors, screenwriters, and journalists all work with 初稿. It's the milestone of getting the entire story down before the hard work of editing begins.

The term is neither overly formal nor informal. It's simply the correct, standard word for a first draft.

• Example 1:
  • 这只是个初稿，欢迎大家提意见。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǐshì ge chūgǎo, huānyíng dàjiā tí yìjiàn.
  • English: This is just a first draft; everyone is welcome to give suggestions.
  • Analysis: A very common and polite phrase used in meetings. It manages expectations and invites collaborative feedback.
• Example 2:
  • 老板，这是我做的项目计划书初稿。
  • Pinyin: Lǎobǎn, zhè shì wǒ zuò de xiàngmù jìhuàshū chūgǎo.
  • English: Boss, this is the first draft of the project proposal I made.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the standard way to submit a draft to a superior in a professional setting.
• Example 3:
  • 我必须在周五前完成论文的初稿。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bìxū zài zhōuwǔ qián wánchéng lùnwén de chūgǎo.
  • English: I must finish the first draft of my thesis before Friday.
  • Analysis: A typical sentence for a student facing a deadline. `完成 (wánchéng)` means “to complete,” which fits well with `初稿`.
• Example 4:
  • 看完初稿后，编辑给了作者很多修改建议。
  • Pinyin: Kàn wán chūgǎo hòu, biānjí gěile zuòzhě hěnduō xiūgǎi jiànyì.
  • English: After reading the first draft, the editor gave the author many revision suggestions.
  • Analysis: Shows the natural next step in the writing process: receiving `修改建议 (xiūgǎi jiànyì)`, or revision suggestions.
• Example 5:
  • 虽然只是初稿，但基本框架已经很清晰了。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán zhǐshì chūgǎo, dàn jīběn kuàngjià yǐjīng hěn qīngxī le.
  • English: Although it's just a first draft, the basic framework is already very clear.
  • Analysis: A good way to give positive feedback on a draft while acknowledging it's not the final version.
• Example 6:
  • 这份合同的初稿需要法务部门审阅。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fèn hétong de chūgǎo xūyào fǎwù bùmén shěnyuè.
  • English: The first draft of this contract needs to be reviewed by the legal department.
  • Analysis: Highlights its use in a formal, legal context. `审阅 (shěnyuè)` is a formal word for “review/examine.”
• Example 7:
  • 写初稿的时候，不要太担心语法，先把想法写下来。
  • Pinyin: Xiě chūgǎo de shíhou, búyào tài dānxīn yǔfǎ, xiān bǎ xiǎngfǎ xiě xiàlái.
  • English: When writing a first draft, don't worry too much about grammar; first get your ideas down.
  • Analysis: This gives practical advice and shows how the concept of a `初稿` is used to encourage writers.
• Example 8:
  • 我的小说初稿大概有十万字。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de xiǎoshuō chūgǎo dàgài yǒu shí wàn zì.
  • English: The first draft of my novel is about 100,000 characters long.
  • Analysis: Used here to describe the state and scale of a creative work.
• Example 9:
  • 你的设计初稿什么时候能出来？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de shèjì chūgǎo shénme shíhou néng chūlái?
  • English: When can your initial design draft be ready?
  • Analysis: Shows that 初稿 isn't limited to text; it can also apply to design plans, architectural drawings, etc.
• Example 10:
  • 他花了一个通宵才把演讲初稿写完。
  • Pinyin: Tā huāle yí ge tōngxiāo cái bǎ yǎnjiǎng chūgǎo xiě wán.
  • English: He pulled an all-nighter to finish the first draft of the speech.
  • Analysis: A very relatable sentence that shows the effort that can go into even a “first” draft. `通宵 (tōngxiāo)` means all night.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 初稿 (chūgǎo) and 草稿 (cǎogǎo).

• 初稿 (chūgǎo) - First Draft: This is a complete, structured version. It has a beginning, middle, and end. It's coherent, but unpolished. Think of it as Version 1.0, ready for someone else to review.
• 草稿 (cǎogǎo) - Rough Draft/Notes: The character `草` means grass, implying something rough, messy, or jotted down. This refers to initial ideas, brainstorming notes, scribbles, or an incomplete and disorganized draft. It's what you do before you write the 初稿.

Common Mistake: Using 初稿 for simple notes.

• Incorrect: 我在餐巾纸上写了一个初稿。 (Wǒ zài cānjīnzhǐ shàng xiěle yí ge chūgǎo.)
• Why it's wrong: A `初稿` implies a level of completeness and structure that is impossible on a napkin. It's just a collection of thoughts or notes.
• Correct: 我在餐巾纸上打了个草稿。 (Wǒ zài cānjīnzhǐ shàng dǎle yí ge cǎogǎo.)

Think of the process: 提纲 (outline) → 草稿 (rough notes) → 初稿 (first draft) → 修改 (revision) → 定稿 (final draft).

• 草稿 (cǎogǎo) - The rough, initial sketch or notes that come before the `初稿`.
• 定稿 (dìnggǎo) - The final, settled draft. This is the antonym of `初稿`.
• 终稿 (zhōnggǎo) - Final version/draft. A synonym for `定稿`.
• 提纲 (tígāng) - An outline. The structural plan created before writing begins.
• 修改 (xiūgǎi) - (v.) To revise, to amend, to modify. The action performed on a `初稿`.
• 审阅 (shěnyuè) - (v.) To review and examine (formally). What a professor or boss does to a `初稿`.
• 手稿 (shǒugǎo) - Manuscript, especially one that is handwritten.
• 版本 (bǎnběn) - Version, edition. A `初稿` is the very first `版本`.
• 草案 (cǎo'àn) - A draft (of a law, plan, or regulation). Similar to `初稿` but used almost exclusively for official or legal documents.