下笔

下筆
xiàbǐ
verb #44,869

Meanings

  1. 1 to put pen to paper
  2. 2 to start writing
  3. 3 to begin painting

Examples

HSK 3
Tā xiǎng le hěn jiǔ cái xiàbǐ.
He thought for a long time before putting pen to paper.
HSK 4
Zhè dào tí tài nán, wǒ wúcóng xiàbǐ.
This question is too hard; I don't know where to begin.
HSK 5
Huàjiā xiàbǐ fēicháng yǒulì.
The painter's brushstrokes are very forceful.

Tips

culture
Literally 'lowering the brush,' referring to the moment of touching brush to paper. 无从下笔 ('no way to start writing') is a common phrase for writer's block.

Stroke Order

xià