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B1 verb 8 min read

草拟

caoni

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 草拟 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 草拟 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn simple verbs like '写' (xiě - to write). '草拟' (cǎonǐ) is a bit more advanced because it describes a specific *kind* of writing: making a 'draft.' Think of it as 'writing a first version.' Even though it's a B1 word, you can understand it by looking at the first character '草' (cǎo), which means grass. In Chinese, grass can sometimes mean 'rough' or 'quick.' So, '草拟' is like 'rough planning.' At this level, just remember it means 'to draft a plan' or 'to draft a letter' in a professional way. You might see it in a simple sentence like 'He drafts a plan' (他草拟计划). It is formal, so you don't use it for texting friends. Use it when you want to sound like a serious student or worker.

By the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about work and school tasks. '草拟' (cǎonǐ) is very useful here. It is a verb that shows you are preparing something that isn't finished yet. In English, we say 'I am drafting the report.' In Chinese, you say '我正在草拟报告.' Notice the structure: Subject + Verb + Object. It is almost always used with documents. You can draft an email, a plan, or a simple agreement. It’s important to know that '草' (cǎo) here isn't about nature; it's about the 'roughness' of the draft. When you use this word, people understand that you are still working on the document and it might change later. This is a great word to use when your teacher or boss asks for a progress update.

At the B1 level, '草拟' (cǎonǐ) is a core vocabulary item for professional communication. You should be able to use it in various sentence structures, including those with adverbs like '初步' (chūbù - initially) or '正在' (zhèngzài - currently). This word is specifically used for formal documents such as contracts (合同), proposals (建议书), and meeting agendas (议程). It implies a systematic approach to writing where the writer creates a structure before finalizing the details. You should also start distinguishing it from '写' (xiě). While '写' is general, '草拟' suggests a professional context where the document will likely undergo a review process. It is a 'transitive verb,' so it always needs an object. For example, '我们需要草拟一份合同' (We need to draft a contract). Using this word correctly shows you have a good grasp of formal Chinese business etiquette.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between '草拟' (cǎonǐ) and its close synonyms like '起草' (qǐcǎo) and '拟定' (nǐdìng). '草拟' is the standard 'workhorse' verb for drafting business documents. '起草' sounds slightly more official and is often used for high-level government or legal documents. '拟定' suggests that the drafting is done and the plan is being set in place. At this level, you should be comfortable using '草拟' in passive sentences (e.g., '这份报告是由我草拟的' - This report was drafted by me) and in complex business scenarios. You might use it when discussing policy changes or project management. It reflects a level of linguistic maturity where you are not just 'writing' but are 'engaging in the formal process of document preparation.' You should also be aware of common collocations like '草拟大纲' (draft an outline) and '草拟声明' (draft a statement).

For C1 learners, '草拟' (cǎonǐ) is a word you use with precision in academic and high-level professional writing. You understand its etymological roots—how the 'grass script' (草书) in calligraphy, which is fast and rough, informs the modern meaning of 'drafting.' You can use it to describe the iterative process of policy-making or legislative drafting. At this level, you might encounter it in sophisticated grammatical structures, such as using it as a noun-modifier (e.g., '草拟阶段' - the drafting stage). You should also be able to use it in the context of international relations or law, where '草拟条约' (drafting a treaty) involves intense negotiation. Your ability to use '草拟' instead of more common verbs signals a high register of speech and a deep understanding of Chinese administrative culture. You might also use it metaphorically to discuss 'drafting a life plan' or 'drafting a future vision,' though its primary home remains in formal documentation.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of '草拟' (cǎonǐ) and can appreciate its subtle stylistic effects in different genres of writing. You can distinguish the fine line between '草拟' and '构思' (conceptualizing), noting that '草拟' is the physical act of documentation that follows the mental '构思.' You are capable of critiquing the quality of a '草拟稿' (draft manuscript) and can use the term in high-stakes negotiations where the phrasing of a draft can change the course of a business deal or a legal case. You understand how the word functions in classical-influenced modern prose and can use it in formal speeches or academic papers with perfect prosody. At this level, '草拟' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for precision, allowing you to navigate the most complex bureaucratic and intellectual landscapes in the Chinese-speaking world with ease and authority.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

草拟 in 30 Seconds

草拟 means to draft or prepare a preliminary version of a document.
It is a formal verb used in business, legal, and academic settings.
The word combines 'rough' (草) and 'plan/imitate' (拟) to describe a first version.
Commonly paired with objects like plans, contracts, reports, and outlines.

The Chinese verb 草拟 (cǎonǐ) is a sophisticated yet essential term for anyone navigating professional, academic, or administrative environments in the Chinese-speaking world. At its core, it means 'to draft' or 'to prepare a preliminary version' of a document, plan, or proposal. The word is composed of two distinct characters: 草 (cǎo), which literally means 'grass' but metaphorically refers to something 'rough,' 'hasty,' or 'preliminary' (much like a 'rough draft' in English), and 拟 (nǐ), which means 'to plan,' 'to imitate,' or 'to draw up.' When combined, they describe the intellectual and creative process of putting initial thoughts into a structured, albeit non-final, written form.

Professional Context: In a corporate setting, you will frequently hear this word when a manager assigns a task to a subordinate. It implies that the document is not expected to be perfect but rather a foundation for further revision and discussion.

我们需要在下周三之前草拟出一份新的项目计划书。(We need to draft a new project proposal by next Wednesday.)

The usage of 草拟 is typically reserved for formal documents. You wouldn't use it for a casual text message or a quick note to a friend. Instead, it is the standard verb for drafting contracts (合同 - hétóng), regulations (规定 - guīdìng), speeches (演讲稿 - yǎnjiǎnggǎo), or blueprints (蓝图 - lántú). It suggests a level of seriousness and a systematic approach to writing that characterizes B1-level proficiency and above.

Nuance of Completion: Using this word acknowledges that the work is in progress. It protects the writer from criticism regarding minor errors because the 'draft' status is explicitly stated through the verb choice.

律师正在草拟一份法律协议。(The lawyer is currently drafting a legal agreement.)

Furthermore, the word reflects a collaborative spirit. Often, once a document is 草拟-ed, it is sent to others for feedback. This makes it a key vocabulary item for teamwork and project management. It bridges the gap between the initial idea and the final execution, serving as the bridge where abstract thoughts become concrete words.

Visual Metaphor: Imagine a gardener sketching the layout of a garden before planting. The sketch is the '草拟'—it contains the logic and the structure but lacks the final blooming flowers.

Using 草拟 (cǎonǐ) effectively requires understanding its syntactic patterns and the formal register it occupies. In most cases, the structure follows a standard Subject + (Adverb) + 草拟 + (Measure Word) + Noun format. Because it is a formal verb, it is often paired with temporal adverbs like 正在 (zhèngzài - currently), 已经 (yǐjīng - already), or 初步 (chūbù - initially).

The 'Action in Progress' Pattern: When describing an ongoing task, place '正在' before the verb to emphasize that the drafting is happening right now.

秘书正在草拟经理的年度报告。(The secretary is currently drafting the manager's annual report.)

Another common usage involves the resultative or completed aspect. Since drafting a document is a task with a clear beginning and end, the particle 了 (le) or the complement 好 (hǎo) is frequently used. For instance, 草拟好了 suggests that the draft is finished and ready for the next stage of review.

The 'Completed Task' Pattern: Use '了' or '好' to indicate that the draft has been produced.

我已经草拟好了下周的会议议程。(I have already drafted the agenda for next week's meeting.)

In more complex sentences, 草拟 can be part of a serial verb construction or a passive structure. In passive voice using 被 (bèi), it emphasizes the document itself. This is common in news reporting or formal meeting minutes where the focus is on the document's status rather than who wrote it.

Passive Voice Usage: Focusing on the document being drafted.

这份声明是由一个专家小组草拟的。(This statement was drafted by a panel of experts.)

Finally, consider the combination with 初步 (chūbù). This reinforces the idea that the draft is just the first step. Phrases like 初步草拟 are very common in government and legal contexts to signal that the text is open for extensive public or internal consultation.

The word 草拟 (cǎonǐ) is a staple of professional and official communication. You are most likely to encounter it in four primary environments: the corporate office, legal proceedings, government administration, and academic research. In each of these settings, the word carries a weight of formality that distinguishes it from the more casual 写 (xiě - write).

The Corporate Office: During business meetings or in internal emails, managers use this word to delegate tasks. It sounds more professional and specific than simply asking someone to 'write' a document.

“小王，请你先草拟一份合作意向书。” ("Xiao Wang, please draft a letter of intent for cooperation first.")

In the legal world, 草拟 is the standard term for the creation of contracts and legal instruments. Lawyers spend a significant portion of their time drafting documents that will later be scrutinized by other parties. Here, the word implies a meticulous process of choosing the right legal terminology while knowing that the other party may suggest changes.

Government and News: News broadcasts frequently use this word when reporting on new laws or international treaties. It highlights the deliberative nature of governance.

有关部门正在草拟新的环境保护法。(Relevant departments are currently drafting a new environmental protection law.)

Lastly, in academia, researchers use it when preparing manuscripts for publication or grant proposals. It signals the transition from data analysis to the formal presentation of findings. If you are a student in China, your professor might ask you to 草拟一份大纲 (draft an outline) for your thesis before you begin writing the full text. This step-by-step approach is central to Chinese academic rigor.

Academic Context: Focusing on the structural preparation of knowledge.

他在实验室里草拟他的研究报告。(He is drafting his research report in the lab.)

While 草拟 (cǎonǐ) is a straightforward verb, learners often make specific errors related to register, synonym confusion, and object compatibility. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid professional embarrassment.

Mistake 1: Misusing Register: The most common mistake is using '草拟' for informal writing. You wouldn't '草拟' a diary entry or a love letter. For these, use '写' (xiě - write) or '创作' (chuàngzuò - create/compose).

Incorrect: 我在草拟给朋友的短信。(I am drafting a text to a friend.)
Correct: 我在给朋友写短信。(I am writing a text to a friend.)

Another frequent point of confusion is between 草拟 (cǎonǐ) and 起草 (qǐcǎo). While they are often interchangeable, 起草 is slightly more formal and is almost exclusively used for official government documents, constitutions, or major legislation. 草拟 is the better choice for general business documents like plans and proposals.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Objects: Learners sometimes try to '草拟' physical objects or artistic works. You draft texts and concepts, not paintings or buildings. For artistic works, use '构思' (gòusī - to conceive/plan) or '创作'.

Incorrect: 画家草拟了一幅画。(The painter drafted a painting.)
Correct: 画家构思了一幅画。(The painter conceived a painting.)

Finally, watch out for redundancy. Since '草' already implies a rough or preliminary state, adding words like '初步的' (chūbù de - preliminary) is common but adding '简陋的' (jiǎnlòu de - crude/simple) can be redundant or even negative. Stick to simple adverbs that describe the stage of the process.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Result: In Chinese, verbs of action often need a resultative complement to show completion. Saying '我草拟合同' sounds like you are in the middle of it. If you finished the draft, you must say '我草拟好了合同'.

To master 草拟 (cǎonǐ), you must understand how it fits into the broader family of Chinese verbs related to writing and planning. Each word has a specific nuance that changes based on the context and the level of formality.

草拟 vs. 起草 (qǐcǎo): These two are the closest synonyms. However, 起草 feels more 'official' and 'foundational.' It is the word used when a nation '起草' its constitution. 草拟 is more common in daily business operations.

草拟 vs. 拟定 (nǐdìng): 拟定 implies a slightly more advanced stage. While 草拟 is the initial act of putting pen to paper, 拟定 suggests that the plan has been formulated and is closer to being finalized or officially set. Use 拟定 for policies or fixed schedules.

委员会正在拟定新的安全标准。(The committee is formulating new safety standards.)

If you are looking for something more general, 编写 (biānxiě - to compile and write) is a good alternative. It is often used for textbooks, programs, or manuals where the focus is on gathering information and organizing it. 草拟 is more about the act of creation from scratch.

草拟 vs. 构思 (gòusī): 构思 refers to the mental planning before any writing occurs. It is the 'conceptualizing' phase. You 构思 an idea in your head and then 草拟 it onto paper.

Finally, for very informal contexts, just use 写写 (xiěxie - write a bit) or 打个底 (dǎ ge dǐ - make a foundation/draft). These are colloquial ways to express the same idea of making a preliminary version without the formal weight of 草拟.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'grass' in 'drafting' actually comes from the speed of writing—so fast that the characters look like wind-blown grass. When you '草拟' something, you are metaphorically writing in that fast, preliminary style.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tsʰau˨˩˦ ni˨˩˦

US tsʰaʊ˨˩˦ ni˨˩˦

The emphasis is usually balanced between the two syllables, though '拟' carries the weight of the specific action.

Rhymes With

草 (cǎo) rhymes with 跑 (pǎo), 找 (zhǎo), 岛 (dǎo). 拟 (nǐ) rhymes with 你 (nǐ), 里 (lǐ), 笔 (bǐ), 己 (jǐ).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'c' as 'k' (it should be 'ts').
Forgetting the tone sandhi (both syllables shouldn't stay low third tones).
Confusing the 'n' in 'ni' with 'l' (common in some Southern dialects).
Failing to aspirate the 'c'.
Shortening the tones too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Requires knowledge of formal characters and business context.

Writing 4/5

The character '拟' can be tricky to write by hand; strokes must be precise.

Speaking 3/5

Tone sandhi (3+3 -> 2+3) is essential for natural speech.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and meetings; must distinguish from synonyms.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

写计划报告合同准备

Learn Next

拟定修订审阅备案签署

Advanced

斟酌推敲编纂韬略

Grammar to Know

Tone Sandhi (3rd Tone + 3rd Tone)

草 (3rd) + 拟 (3rd) becomes cáo (2nd) nǐ (3rd).

Resultative Complements

草拟 + 好/完/出 to show the result of drafting.

Passive Voice with '由'

由 + Agent + 草拟 (Drafted by [Agent]).

Adverbial Modifiers

初步 + 草拟 (Initially draft).

Serial Verb Construction

去 + 办公室 + 草拟 + 报告 (Go to the office to draft a report).

Examples by Level

我草拟一个计划。

I draft a plan.

Subject + Verb + Object.

他草拟一封信。

He drafts a letter.

Simple transitive usage.

老师草拟作业。

The teacher drafts the homework.

Noun as an object.

我们要草拟这个。

We need to draft this.

Using '要' (want/need) before the verb.

她在草拟。

She is drafting.

Verb used with '在' for progressive action.

请草拟一下。

Please draft it for a moment.

Using '一下' to soften the request.

谁草拟这个计划？

Who is drafting this plan?

Interrogative sentence with '谁'.

我不草拟。

I am not drafting.

Negative form using '不'.

我正在草拟一份报告。

I am currently drafting a report.

Use '正在' for ongoing actions.

经理让他草拟会议议程。

The manager asked him to draft the meeting agenda.

Pivotal sentence structure (让 someone do something).

我们需要草拟下周的计划。

We need to draft next week's plan.

Using '需要' to express necessity.

他草拟了一份简单的合同。

He drafted a simple contract.

Using '了' for completed action.

请你帮我草拟这个邮件。

Please help me draft this email.

Using '帮' (help) in a request.

他们正在草拟新的规则。

They are drafting new rules.

Plural subject with ongoing action.

我已经草拟好了大纲。

I have already drafted the outline.

Resultative complement '好' indicates completion.

谁能草拟这份声明？

Who can draft this statement?

Using '能' for capability.

律师正在草拟一份法律协议。

The lawyer is drafting a legal agreement.

Formal occupation and object.

我们必须在明天之前草拟出方案。

We must draft the proposal before tomorrow.

Using '出' as a directional complement meaning 'to produce'.

这份文件是初步草拟的。

This document is an initial draft.

Adverbial modifier '初步' (initially).

他负责草拟公司的年度预算。

He is responsible for drafting the company's annual budget.

Using '负责' (to be responsible for).

请草拟一份关于环境保护的建议书。

Please draft a proposal about environmental protection.

Prepositional phrase '关于...' (about/concerning).

他们草拟了一个详细的行动计划。

They drafted a detailed action plan.

Adjective '详细的' (detailed) modifying the noun.

我还没草拟完这份报告。

I haven't finished drafting this report yet.

Negative '还没' with resultative complement '完' (finish).

委员会决定草拟一套新的标准。

The committee decided to draft a set of new standards.

Verb '决定' (decide) followed by a verb phrase.

有关部门正在草拟新的交通法规。

Relevant departments are drafting new traffic regulations.

Formal subject '有关部门' (relevant departments).

在正式发布前，我们需要反复草拟和修改。

Before official release, we need to draft and revise repeatedly.

Adverb '反复' (repeatedly) modifying two verbs.

他受命草拟一份外交声明。

He was commissioned to draft a diplomatic statement.

Formal structure '受命' (be ordered/commissioned to).

这份合同是由法务部草拟的。

This contract was drafted by the legal department.

Passive '是...的' construction.

草拟这份议案需要大量的研究工作。

Drafting this bill requires a lot of research work.

The verb phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.

我们在会议上初步草拟了合作框架。

We initially drafted the cooperation framework at the meeting.

Locative phrase '在会议上' (at the meeting).

他正在为新书草拟大纲。

He is drafting an outline for his new book.

Preposition '为' (for) indicating the purpose.

草拟过程中，我们咨询了多位专家的意见。

During the drafting process, we consulted the opinions of several experts.

Using '过程中' (in the process of).

起草委员会负责草拟宪法修正案。

The drafting committee is responsible for drafting the constitutional amendment.

Specific legal terminology: '宪法修正案'.

该协议的草拟工作历时三个月才完成。

The drafting of the agreement took three months to complete.

Using '草拟' as a noun-modifier for '工作'.

他在草拟演讲稿时力求措辞严谨。

He strives for rigorous wording while drafting the speech.

Using '力求' (strive for) and '措辞' (wording).

草拟一份具有约束力的条约并非易事。

Drafting a binding treaty is no easy task.

Using '具有约束力的' (binding) as an adjective phrase.

我们需要草拟一套应对突发事件的预案。

We need to draft a contingency plan for emergencies.

Specific term '预案' (contingency plan).

政府正在草拟旨在减少碳排放的政策。

The government is drafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Using '旨在' (aimed at) to introduce a purpose clause.

在草拟过程中，必须考虑到各方的利益。

In the drafting process, the interests of all parties must be considered.

Formal passive-style requirement using '必须'.

他擅长草拟各类复杂的商业合同。

He is skilled at drafting various complex business contracts.

Using '擅长' (be good at).

该公约的草拟反映了国际社会对人权的共同关注。

The drafting of the convention reflects the international community's common concern for human rights.

High-level abstract subject and object.

他在草拟该学术论文时，对每一个论点都进行了推敲。

While drafting the academic paper, he scrutinized every argument.

Using '推敲' (to weigh/scrutinize) for linguistic precision.

草拟此类敏感文件需极度审慎，以防产生歧义。

Drafting such sensitive documents requires extreme caution to prevent ambiguity.

Formal '以防' (in order to prevent) clause.

立法机关正致力于草拟一部包罗万象的民法典。

The legislature is dedicated to drafting an all-encompassing civil code.

Idiom '包罗万象' (all-encompassing) used as a modifier.

该报告的初步草拟稿已提交委员会审议。

The initial draft of the report has been submitted to the committee for deliberation.

Specific administrative terms '提交' and '审议'.

他在草拟过程中巧妙地融合了各方的不同见解。

He skillfully integrated the differing views of all parties during the drafting process.

Adverbial '巧妙地' (skillfully) and verb '融合' (integrate).

草拟外交照会时，措辞的微小差异可能导致严重的后果。

When drafting a diplomatic note, minor differences in wording can lead to serious consequences.

Specific term '外交照会' (diplomatic note).

该项提案的草拟标志着该领域法律改革的开端。

The drafting of this proposal marks the beginning of legal reform in the field.

Verb '标志着' (mark/symbolize) for significance.

Common Collocations

草拟合同

草拟计划

草拟大纲

草拟声明

草拟议程

初步草拟

负责草拟

反复草拟

草拟建议书

受命草拟

Common Phrases

草拟稿

— The draft manuscript or document itself. It refers to the physical or digital version of the draft.

请把草拟稿发给我看。

草拟阶段

— The drafting stage of a project. It indicates that things are still being decided.

项目目前还处于草拟阶段。

草拟过程

— The process of drafting. It emphasizes the time and effort taken to write the draft.

在草拟过程中，我们遇到了很多问题。

草拟人

— The person who drafted the document. It is a formal way to identify the author.

谁是这份报告的草拟人？

草拟意见

— Drafted opinions or comments. Often used in legal or administrative feedback.

这是我们对该项议案的草拟意见。

草拟完毕

— Drafting completed. A formal way to say the draft is finished.

合同已经草拟完毕。

草拟文本

— The drafted text. Refers to the specific wording of the draft.

我们需要仔细核对草拟文本。

草拟蓝图

— To draft a blueprint. Often used metaphorically for long-term planning.

他在草拟城市发展的蓝图。

草拟演说词

— To draft a speech. Specifically for formal or public addresses.

他在为总统草拟演说词。

草拟规章

— To draft regulations or rules. Common in company management.

公司正在草拟新的员工规章。

Often Confused With

草拟 vs 起草

起草 is for more official/legal foundations; 草拟 is more for general business drafts.

草拟 vs 拟定

拟定 suggests the plan is being finalized; 草拟 is just the first version.

草拟 vs 构思

构思 is the mental plan; 草拟 is the physical act of writing the draft.

Idioms & Expressions

"草草了事"

— To do something carelessly or perfunctorily. While it shares the '草' character, it is negative, unlike the professional '草拟'.

他草草了事，结果出了很多错。

Informal/Negative

"拟人化"

— Personification. It uses '拟' (imitate) to mean giving human traits to non-humans.

这个童话使用了拟人化的手法。

Literary

"草拟初稿"

— To draft the very first version. A common redundant but emphasizing phrase.

他已经草拟初稿了。

Professional

"草蛇灰线"

— A literary device where clues are hidden throughout a story. Uses '草' but unrelated to drafting.

这本小说的伏笔真是草蛇灰线。

Literary

"拟定方针"

— To set a policy or direction. Similar to drafting but more about high-level strategy.

领导层正在拟定未来的发展方针。

Formal

"草创之初"

— In the early days of founding something. Uses '草' to mean the very beginning.

公司在草创之初遇到了很多困难。

Formal

"模拟练习"

— Mock practice or simulation. Uses '拟' for imitation.

学生们正在进行模拟练习。

Educational

"草率从事"

— To act rashly or without enough thought. Another '草' idiom indicating haste.

我们不能草率从事，要仔细考虑。

Warning

"拟稿"

— To draft a manuscript. A shorter, more clipped version of '草拟'.

请尽快拟稿。

Administrative

"草木皆兵"

— To be extremely nervous or paranoid. Uses '草' but unrelated to writing.

他现在风声鹤唳，草木皆兵。

Literary

Easily Confused

草拟 vs 草率

Both start with '草'.

草率 is an adjective meaning 'rash' or 'careless.' 草拟 is a professional verb for drafting.

他草率地做出了决定，没有好好草拟计划。

草拟 vs 模拟

Both contain '拟'.

模拟 means to simulate or imitate a situation. 草拟 means to draft a text.

我们正在模拟演习，同时草拟报告。

草拟 vs 写作

Both relate to writing.

写作 is the general art or act of writing. 草拟 is the specific professional task of drafting a document.

他热爱写作，但他今天必须草拟合同。

草拟 vs 草稿

Both relate to drafts.

草稿 is the noun (the draft). 草拟 is the verb (to draft).

他在草拟一份草稿。

草拟 vs 制定

Both involve making plans.

制定 means to establish or enact (like a policy). 草拟 is the writing stage before enacting.

在制定政策之前，我们需要先草拟草案。

Sentence Patterns

我正在草拟[名词]。

我正在草拟报告。

请帮我草拟一份[名词]。

请帮我草拟一份合同。

[人]负责草拟[名词]。

他负责草拟计划。

[文件]是由[人/部门]草拟的。

这份文件是由法务部草拟的。

在[动词]前，我们需要草拟[名词]。

在发布前，我们需要草拟声明。

草拟[名词]需要[抽象名词]。

草拟这份协议需要极大的耐心。

[名词]的草拟工作已经[状态]。

新法的草拟工作已经接近尾声。

通过草拟[名词]，我们可以[目标]。

通过草拟该公约，我们可以建立国际标准。

Word Family

Nouns

草稿 (cǎogǎo - rough draft)

拟稿人 (nǐgǎorén - drafter)

初拟 (chūnǐ - first draft)

Verbs

起草 (qǐcǎo - to draft)

拟定 (nǐdìng - to formulate)

模拟 (mónǐ - to simulate)

Adjectives

草率 (cǎoshuài - rash/hasty)

拟人 (nǐrén - personified)

稿件

文本

修订

审核

定稿

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in professional and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

我草拟一封给妈妈的信。 → 我给妈妈写了一封信。
'草拟' is too formal for personal letters to family. Use '写' instead.
他草拟了完这份报告。 → 他草拟完了这份报告。
The completion marker '了' should follow the entire verb-complement structure '草拟完'.
我们在草拟一个新房子。 → 我们在设计一个新房子。
You don't 'draft' physical buildings in Chinese with '草拟'; you 'design' (设计) them.
这份合同是起草的。 → 这份合同是草拟的。
While '起草' is possible, '草拟' is more standard for business contracts. '起草' is usually for laws.
他草拟大纲很草率。 → 他草拟大纲的过程很草率。
Avoid using '草拟' and '草率' together unless you are clear that one is a verb and the other is an adjective describing the process.

Tips

Use with Professional Objects

Always pair '草拟' with professional nouns like '合同' (contract) or '计划' (plan) to maintain the correct register.

Master Tone Sandhi

Remember that '草拟' is pronounced 'cáo nǐ' (2nd tone then 3rd tone) because of the double third-tone rule.

Learn the Measure Word

Always use '一份' (yí fèn) when drafting documents. It makes your Chinese sound much more natural.

Pay Attention to '拟'

The character '拟' has a 'hand' radical on the left. This helps you remember it's a verb involving physical writing.

Signal Humility

Use '草拟' when presenting work to a superior to show that you are open to their feedback and the work is not final.

Drafting Stage

If a project is in the early stages, say it's in the '草拟阶段' to manage expectations about its completeness.

News Vocabulary

When listening to Chinese news, look out for '草拟' in segments about new laws or international agreements.

Contrast with '写'

Never use '写' in a formal report when you could use '草拟'. It makes your language skills look more advanced.

The 'Grass' Metaphor

Think of '草' as the fast, wild growth that comes before the neat, trimmed garden of a final document.

Softening Requests

Add '一下' after '草拟' to make a request to a colleague sound more polite and less demanding.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'GRASS' (草) and 'PLAN' (拟). You are planting the seeds (the draft) in the grass before they grow into a final document.

Visual Association

Imagine a lawyer sitting in a field of tall grass, writing on a clipboard. The grass is rough and wild, just like a first draft.

Word Web

Draft Report Contract Plan Outline Preliminary Revision Professional

Challenge

Try to say 'I am drafting a plan' three times fast: 我正在草拟计划, 我正在草拟计划, 我正在草拟计划.

Word Origin

The word '草拟' originates from the historical use of '草' (cǎo) to mean rough or preliminary. In ancient China, '草书' (cǎoshū) or 'grass script' was a cursive style of calligraphy used for quick notes and drafts. Thus, '草' became associated with the first, unpolished stage of writing. '拟' (nǐ) comes from the idea of planning, imitating, or drawing up a model.

Original meaning: To make a rough plan or model of a text.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but ensure you don't use it for personal or intimate writing as it sounds cold and bureaucratic.

In English, we say 'rough draft' or 'to draft.' The Chinese '草拟' is slightly more formal than the English verb 'to draft' in casual speech.

The Drafting of the Basic Law of Hong Kong. The drafting of the 1954 Constitution of the PRC. The process of '起草' (a synonym) in the Communist Manifesto's Chinese translation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Office

草拟合同
草拟协议
草拟条款
草拟法律文书

Corporate Meeting

草拟议程
草拟方案
草拟纪要
草拟报告

Academic Research

草拟大纲
草拟论文
草拟摘要
草拟提纲

Government Administration

草拟条例
草拟议案
草拟声明
草拟通告

Personal Productivity

草拟清单
草拟目标
草拟自传
草拟申请

Conversation Starters

"你能帮我草拟一下这份合同吗？ (Can you help me draft this contract?)"

"你觉得谁最适合草拟这个项目的计划？ (Who do you think is best suited to draft the project plan?)"

"我们是不是应该先草拟一个大纲？ (Shouldn't we draft an outline first?)"

"你草拟好下周的会议议程了吗？ (Have you finished drafting next week's meeting agenda?)"

"这份草拟稿还需要哪些修改？ (What revisions does this draft still need?)"

Journal Prompts

今天我草拟了一份关于未来的计划，我的第一步是...

如果我要草拟一份新的公司规章，我会加入哪三条规则？

描述一次你草拟重要文件时的感受，你遇到了什么困难？

草拟一份你理想假期的行程安排。

为什么在开始写长文章之前草拟大纲很重要？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. '草拟' is too formal for a casual text. Use '写' (xiě) instead. For example, '我在写短信' is better than '我在草拟短信'.

'起草' (qǐcǎo) is used for very official things like laws or constitutions. '草拟' (cǎonǐ) is used for business documents like plans and proposals. They are similar, but '起草' feels more 'foundational'.

Yes, it is a formal verb. It is most commonly used in offices, schools, and government settings. Using it in daily life with friends might sound a bit strange.

Usually, yes. Since you are drafting a document, you often use '一份' (yí fèn). For example: '草拟一份计划'.

You can say '我草拟好了' (Wǒ cǎonǐ hǎo le) or '我草拟完了' (Wǒ cǎonǐ wán le). '好' implies it is ready for the next step.

It is primarily a verb, but it can be used as a noun-modifier, as in '草拟阶段' (drafting stage) or '草拟工作' (drafting work).

Yes, '拟' means to plan or imitate. In '模拟' (simulation), it means imitating reality. In '草拟', it means creating a 'model' or 'plan' of a text.

You can draft texts like '合同' (contracts), '报告' (reports), '计划' (plans), '议程' (agendas), and '大纲' (outlines).

In administrative Chinese, yes. Words like '草稿' (draft), '草案' (draft bill), and '草拟' all use '草' to mean a preliminary or unpolished state.

Not usually. For a sketch, use '素描' (sùmiáo) or '构思' (gòusī). '草拟' is specifically for textual documents.