Explanation at your level:
书面 means 'written'. You use it when you write something down. It is not spoken. Example: 'I need a written note.' This is 书面.
When you have a 书面 agreement, it means you have signed a paper. It is different from just saying 'yes' to someone. It is more formal and safe.
In business or school, we often prefer 书面 communication to avoid misunderstandings. It allows people to check the facts later. It is a very useful word for professional emails.
The distinction between oral and 书面 is crucial in legal contexts. A 书面 contract carries more weight than a verbal promise. It is the standard for formal documentation.
书面 language often differs significantly from colloquial speech. It is characterized by more complex syntax and precise vocabulary. Mastering 书面 expression is key to academic success.
The evolution of 书面 traditions has shaped history. From ancient manuscripts to modern digital archives, 书面 records serve as the primary vessel for human knowledge and cultural preservation across generations.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'written'.
- Opposite of 'oral'.
- Used for formal documents.
- Essential in business.
Hey there! Let's talk about 书面 (shū miàn). Think of it as the 'written' side of life. When you speak, that's oral; when you write, that's 书面.
It is all about things that exist on paper or digital text. Whether it's a contract, a letter, or a formal report, if it's written, it's 书面. It helps keep things official and clear!
The word 书面 is a classic Chinese compound. '书' (shū) means book or writing, and '面' (miàn) means face or side. Together, it literally means the 'side of the book' or the 'written aspect'.
Historically, this reflects how Chinese culture valued the distinction between the spoken vernacular and the formal, written literary style. It has been a standard way to categorize language for centuries.
You use 书面 when you need to emphasize that something is documented. It's very common in professional settings like 书面报告 (written report) or 书面通知 (written notice).
It is rarely used in casual conversation. If you are just texting a friend, you wouldn't say 'this is a written message.' You'd save this word for things that matter, like business or school!
1. 书面形式: In written form. Used for legal requirements. 2. 书面语: Written language. The formal style of writing. 3. 书面证据: Written evidence. Proof on paper. 4. 书面协议: Written agreement. A signed contract. 5. 书面表达: Written expression. How well you write.
In Chinese, 书面 acts as an adjective modifying nouns. You usually place it before the noun, like 书面 + noun.
The pronunciation is 'shū' (high level tone) and 'miàn' (falling tone). It is a very standard, clear two-syllable word that is easy to master once you get the tones right!
Fun Fact
The character 面 originally meant face, now used for sides/aspects.
Pronunciation Guide
Standard Mandarin tones
Standard Mandarin tones
Common Errors
- Tone mistakes
- Wrong pinyin
- Slurring sounds
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective usage
书面报告
Prepositional phrases
以书面形式
Noun modification
书面的
Examples by Level
这是一份书面报告。
This is a written report.
Noun modifier
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
Example 7
Example 8
请给我书面通知。
我们有书面协议。
这是书面作业。
请用书面形式回答。
我需要书面确认。
书面表达很重要。
这是书面记录。
他喜欢书面交流。
请提交书面申请。
我们达成了书面共识。
书面证据非常关键。
请检查书面错误。
这是书面语言的特点。
书面回复更正式。
他擅长书面沟通。
书面合同有法律效力。
书面形式能减少误解。
请提供书面说明。
书面评价很客观。
我们保留书面权利。
书面风格很严谨。
这是书面测试。
书面报告已完成。
请签署书面文件。
书面语与口语差异巨大。
书面叙述更加详尽。
这份书面声明很正式。
书面记录保存完好。
他精通书面表达。
书面翻译需要精准。
书面传统源远流长。
书面论证逻辑清晰。
书面文学具有独特魅力。
书面交流促进了文明传播。
书面规范是语言的基础。
书面档案是历史的见证。
书面修辞极具美感。
书面语体要求极高。
书面契约不可违背。
书面文化影响深远。
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"白纸黑字"
Written in black and white
白纸黑字，赖不掉。
common"立字为据"
Write it down as proof
我们立字为据吧。
formal"笔墨官司"
Legal dispute via writing
他们打了场笔墨官司。
literary"文不加点"
Writing without needing revision
他写得文不加点。
literary"一字千金"
A word worth a thousand gold
他的书面表达一字千金。
literary"下笔如有神"
Writing with divine inspiration
他写起文章来下笔如有神。
commonEasily Confused
They are antonyms
Written vs Spoken
书面 vs 口头
Both involve writing
Form vs Action
书面形式 vs 书写动作
Both involve text
Text vs Form
文字内容 vs 书面形式
Both have '书'
Object vs Aspect
书本 vs 书面
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 需要 + 书面 + Noun
我需要书面报告。
以 + 书面 + 形式 + Verb
请以书面形式提交。
N + 是 + 书面 + 的
这份合同是书面的。
Subject + 提供 + 书面 + Noun
请提供书面证据。
Subject + 达成 + 书面 + Noun
我们达成书面协议。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
They are opposites
书本 is the object
It's an adjective
Too formal
Not for physical books
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a contract on a desk.
Professionalism
Use it in emails.
Importance
Written proof is king.
Placement
Always before the noun.
Tones
Focus on the falling tone.
Don't confuse
Don't use for spoken.
History
Ancient roots.
Flashcards
Pair with '口头'.
Formal Writing
Use in reports.
Clarity
Use to clarify.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Shu (Book) + Mian (Face) = The face of the book/writing.
Visual Association
A document with a face on it.
Word Web
Challenge
Write a sentence using this word today.
Word Origin
Chinese
Original meaning: The written face/side of language
Cultural Context
None
The concept is universal, but 'written' is the direct equivalent.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Office
- 书面报告
- 书面通知
- 书面回复
Legal
- 书面合同
- 书面协议
- 书面证据
School
- 书面作业
- 书面测试
- 书面表达
General
- 书面确认
- 书面形式
- 书面说明
Conversation Starters
"你更喜欢书面还是口头交流？"
"你觉得书面报告重要吗？"
"你能写一份书面说明吗？"
"书面协议有什么好处？"
"你平时怎么练习书面表达？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you needed a written agreement.
Why is written communication better than oral?
Write about a formal report you wrote.
Compare your spoken and written language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is used for the *form* of communication.
Only if being very formal.
No, it is an adjective.
Think: Written face.
Yes, in professional life.
口头 (Oral).
Usually no, it modifies nouns.
Yes, quite formal.
Test Yourself
这需要___形式。
It requires written form.
Which is the opposite of 书面?
Oral is the opposite of written.
书面 is an adjective.
It modifies nouns.
Word
Meaning
Correct translation.
Please submit written application.
我们需要一份___协议。
We need a written agreement.
Which context fits best?
Formal context.
书面 implies oral communication.
It is the opposite.
Word
Meaning
Correct match.
He is good at written expression.
Score: /10
Summary
书面 means written, and it is the standard term for formal, documented communication.
- Means 'written'.
- Opposite of 'oral'.
- Used for formal documents.
- Essential in business.
Memory Palace
Imagine a contract on a desk.
Professionalism
Use it in emails.
Importance
Written proof is king.
Placement
Always before the noun.
Example
请提交书面申请。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
