Chinese Character: 稿
1. Character Basics
Radical: 禾 (hé, grain)
Stroke Count: 15
Structure: Left-right structure. The left part is "禾" (grain), and the right part is "高" (high), which helps with pronunciation.
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Gǎo
Tone: Third tone (falling-rising)
3. Meaning
Core Meaning: A draft or preliminary version of a written work; a manuscript; paper made from plant fibers.
Main Definitions:
- Draft; manuscript; original text
- Paper; document
- Rough sketch or plan
- Dried plant stalks used for making paper or fuel
4. Common Words
- 草稿 (cǎo gǎo) - Draft; rough sketch
我正在写一篇文章的草稿。(I'm writing a draft of an article.)
- 稿件 (gǎo jiàn) - Manuscript; contribution
这家杂志社收到了很多优秀的稿件。(This magazine received many excellent manuscripts.)
- 稿纸 (gǎo zhǐ) - Writing paper; manuscript paper
请在稿纸上工整地书写。(Please write neatly on the manuscript paper.)
- 定稿 (dìng gǎo) - Final version; finalized draft
这是我们项目计划的定稿。(This is the final version of our project plan.)
- 稿酬 (gǎo chóu) - Payment for a manuscript; author's fee
他靠写文章赚取稿酬。(He earns author's fees by writing articles.)
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Mainly used as a noun.
Usage Patterns:
- As a noun: Refers to written works or paper materials
这篇稿子写得很好。(This manuscript is well-written.)
- In compound words: Often combined with other characters to form words related to writing
投稿 (tóu gǎo) - To submit a manuscript
- Measure word搭配: Usually paired with "篇" (piān), "张" (zhāng), or "份" (fèn)
一篇稿子 (yī piān gǎo zi) - A manuscript
Common Collocations:
- 审稿 (shěn gǎo) - To review a manuscript
- 退稿 (tuì gǎo) - To reject a manuscript
- 清稿 (qīng gǎo) - To finalize a draft
6. Cultural Background
The character "稿" has special cultural significance in Chinese writing and literature:
- Historical Importance: In ancient China, writing drafts was an important part of the creative process for scholars and writers, often using bamboo slips or paper made from plant fibers.
- Scholarly Tradition: The concept of "稿" reflects the Chinese cultural emphasis on careful writing, revision, and the value of written works.
- Artistic Expression: Calligraphers would often keep draft versions of their work, showing the evolution of their artistic style.
- Literary Heritage: Many famous literary works in Chinese history have surviving draft versions, providing insight into the author's thought process.
7. Example Sentence
句子 (Jùzi): 我需要先写一份初稿。
Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào xiān xiě yī fèn chū gǎo.
Translation: I need to write a first draft first.
句子 (Jùzi): 编辑正在审阅你的稿件。
Pinyin: Biān jí zhèngzài shěn yuè nǐ de gǎo jiàn.
Translation: The editor is reviewing your manuscript.
句子 (Jùzi): 请在稿纸上签名。
Pinyin: Qǐng zài gǎo zhǐ shàng qiān míng.
Translation: Please sign on the manuscript paper.
8. Memory Tips
Here are some ways to remember the character "稿":
- Component Breakdown: The character consists of "禾" (grain) on the left and "高" (high) on the right. Remember that "禾" indicates its original connection to plants used for making paper, and "高" helps with pronunciation.
- Visual Association: Imagine writing a tall (高) draft on paper made from grain (禾) stalks.
- Word Family: Associate with common words like "草稿" (cǎo gǎo - draft), "稿件" (gǎo jiàn - manuscript), and "稿纸" (gǎo zhǐ - writing paper) to reinforce the meaning.
- Mnemonic Device: "稿是禾加高，文章离不了" (Gǎo shì hé jiā gāo, wén zhāng lí bù liǎo) - "稿 is grain plus high, it's indispensable for articles."