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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to write characters' with 写字 (xiězì)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    写字

    Explanation

    写字 (xiězì) means "to write characters" or "to write by hand" and specifically refers to the physical act of writing, especially Chinese characters. It is a verb-object compound where 写 means "to write" and 字 means "character." Use 写字 when talking about handwriting, calligraphy, or the general activity of writing.

    Examples

    • 小朋友刚开始学写字，写得歪歪扭扭的。

      Xiǎo péngyou gāng kāishǐ xué xiě zì, xiě de wāiwāi niūniū de.

      The little child just started learning to write, and the characters are all crooked.

    • 爷爷每天早上都练习写字，字写得很漂亮。

      Yéye měi tiān zǎoshang dōu liànxí xiě zì, zì xiě de hěn piàoliang.

      Grandpa practices writing characters every morning, and his handwriting is very beautiful.

    • 你能用毛笔写字吗？

      Nǐ néng yòng máobǐ xiě zì ma?

      Can you write with a calligraphy brush?