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起草 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
起草qǐcǎoto make a draftHSK 7, v, rank #9938, Hard
起草qǐcǎoto draw up (plans)HSK 7, v, rank #9938, Hard
qǐcǎo(qi3cao3) T3
  1. 1to make a draft
  2. 2to draw up (plans)
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March 24, 2026
起草qǐcǎo(qi3cao3)

起草 means 'to make a draft' or 'to draw up plans.' It is commonly used in formal contexts such as writing documents, proposals, or legal texts. The term implies the initial stage of writing where ideas are organized but not finalized.

Frequency#9938DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the process of drafting is often seen as crucial in formal settings, such as law and government. Drafts are typically reviewed by several people before final approval, reflecting the value placed on collective input and consensus.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person 'lifting' (起) a pen to 'draft' (草) a document. Visualize this person drafting a plan on a large piece of paper, where the pen is the tool that brings ideas to life. The sound 'qi' (起) rhymes with 'key,' suggesting the importance of unlocking ideas in your drafts.

Meanings of 起草

qǐcǎo(qi3cao3)
1to make a draft
2to draw up (plans)
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 起草

起草Simplified
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9938Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCTCEFRC2

Podcast: 起草

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Podcast: 起草

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AI Study Notes for 起草

Quick Contrast

起草 (qǐcǎo) vs 草拟 (cǎonǐ) — use 起草 for the initial drafting stage, while 草拟 implies a more refined version of a draft.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a person 'lifting' (起) a pen to 'draft' (草) a document. Visualize this person drafting a plan on a large piece of paper, where the pen is the tool that brings ideas to life. The sound 'qi' (起) rhymes with 'key,' suggesting the importance of unlocking ideas in your drafts.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing this term with '草稿' (cǎogǎo), which specifically means 'draft paper.' This word is more formal, so it is best used in professional or academic settings. Remember that the second tone (起) should not be pronounced too heavily, as it may confuse listeners.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, students should focus on its usage in formal writing contexts. Connecting it with other HSK 6 vocabulary related to writing and planning can help enhance understanding. Practicing sentences that incorporate this word will aid in retention.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the process of drafting is often seen as crucial in formal settings, such as law and government. Drafts are typically reviewed by several people before final approval, reflecting the value placed on collective input and consensus.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the tones and may say 'qi4 cao3' instead of 'qi3 cao3.' Additionally, using it in informal contexts can lead to misunderstandings, as it carries a formal connotation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 起草

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Component Characters

to rise
HSK 310 strokes
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cǎograss, herbs; straw, thatch
HSK 39 strokes
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Write 起草

Practice writing 起草 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 起草

起草 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

宣言由罗伯特·桑博士领导的委员会____。

The declaration was drafted by a committee chaired by Dr Robert Song.

Example Sentences for 起草 (2)

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1
宣言由罗伯特·桑博士领导的委员会起草。

xuān yán yóu luó bó tè· · sāng bó shì lǐng dǎo de wěi yuán huì qǐ。

The declaration was drafted by a committee chaired by Dr Robert Song.
2
先起草稿,然后再抄清.

xiān qǐ cǎo gǎo, , rán hòu zài chāo.

Write it out in rough and then copy it.

Cultural Notes for 起草

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the process of drafting is often seen as crucial in formal settings, such as law and government. Drafts are typically reviewed by several people before final approval, reflecting the value placed on collective input and consensus.

Frequently Asked Questions about 起草

起草 refers to the act of drafting, while 草稿 specifically means the draft document itself.