Welcome to this guide on how to say “draft” in Chinese! Whether you’re visiting China, learning the language, or just curious, we will explore different ways to express this term formally and informally. While we focus primarily on Mandarin Chinese, we will mention regional variations where necessary. Read on to discover tips, examples, and more!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Draft” in Mandarin Chinese
In a formal context, such as business or official documents, Mandarin Chinese offers several ways to express the term “draft.” Here are the most common options:
a) 草案 (Cǎo’àn)
The term “草案” (Cǎo’àn) is widely used in formal settings and refers specifically to a written document in a preliminary stage. It is commonly used for drafts of laws, regulations, contracts, and proposals. For example:
Example: 我们需要一份这个计划的草案。(Wǒmen xūyào yī fèn zhège jìhuà de cǎo’àn.) We need a draft of this plan.
b) 草稿 (Cǎogǎo)
The term “草稿” (Cǎogǎo) is another formal way to say “draft” in Mandarin Chinese. It is widely used in academic and literary circles for written works, such as essays, articles, and manuscripts. For example:
Example: 我还在写论文，只完成了初稿。(Wǒ hái zài xiě lùnwén, zhǐ wánchéngle chūgǎo.) I’m still writing my thesis, and only finished the first draft.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Draft” in Mandarin Chinese
When it comes to informal settings, everyday conversations, or casual writing, Mandarin Chinese offers simpler alternatives to describe “draft.” Here are some commonly used informal expressions:
a) 草稿纸 (Cǎogǎozhǐ)
In informal contexts, people often refer to “draft” as “草稿纸” (Cǎogǎozhǐ), which means “draft paper” or “scratch paper.” It is frequently used when referring to rough notes or quick drafts. For example:
Example: 我只是在草稿纸上写了一些点子。(Wǒ zhǐshì zài cǎogǎozhǐ shàng xiěle xiē diǎnzi.) I only wrote down some ideas on scratch paper.
b) 草草 (Cǎocǎo)
Another informal way to express “draft” is to use the term “草草” (Cǎocǎo), which means “hastily” or “in a rush.” This term is commonly used to describe something done quickly without much refinement. It can be used as an adjective or an adverb. For example:
Example 1: 他草草写了一份报告，没有仔细检查。(Tā cǎocǎo xiěle yī fèn bàogào, méiyǒu zǐxì jiǎnchá.) He quickly wrote a report without carefully checking it.
Example 2: 这篇文章我只是草草地扫了一眼。(Zhè piān wénzhāng wǒ zhǐshì cǎocǎo de sǎole yīyǎn.) I quickly glanced through this article.
3. Regional Variations
While Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, it’s important to note that regional variations exist across the country. Here are a couple of examples:
a) Cantonese (Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong Province)
In Cantonese, spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and the Guangdong province, the term “draft” can be expressed as “草圖” (Cou2 tou4). For example:
Example: 我需要一份這個計劃的草圖。(Ngóh sīk gàih yāt fàahn géi go jī wuht dī cǒu tòuh.) I need a draft of this plan.
b) Taiwanese Mandarin
In Taiwanese Mandarin, the term “draft” is often expressed as “草稿” (Chháu-kó). Although it’s the same term as formal Mandarin Chinese, the pronunciation is slightly different.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several ways to say “draft” in Chinese, depending on the formality of the context. In formal settings, you can use “草案” (Cǎo’àn) or “草稿” (Cǎogǎo), while informal situations often call for “草稿纸” (Cǎogǎozhǐ) or “草草” (Cǎocǎo). Additionally, regional variations exist, such as “草圖” (Cou2 tou4) in Cantonese and “草稿” (Chháu-kó) in Taiwanese Mandarin.
Remember to consider the appropriate term based on your specific context and the level of formality required. Whether you’re drafting an official document, jotting down ideas on scratch paper, or engaged in casual conversation, this guide should prove helpful. Enjoy exploring the richness of the Chinese language!
