动笔

動筆

dòngbǐ

verb #28,016

Meanings

1 to put pen to paper
2 to start writing
3 to begin drawing or painting

Characters

to move; to start

pen; brush; writing instrument

Examples

他构思了很久，终于动笔写这部小说。

Tā gòusīle hěn jiǔ, zhōngyú dòngbǐ xiě zhè bù xiǎoshuō.

After pondering for a long time, he finally put pen to paper and started writing this novel.

在动笔之前，最好先列一个大纲。

Zài dòngbǐ zhīqián, zuìhǎo xiān liè yī gè dàgāng.

Before you start writing, it's best to first outline the structure.

Tips

usage

动笔 specifically means the act of beginning to write or draw — the moment you pick up the pen. It emphasizes the start of the action, similar to 开始写作 but more vivid and idiomatic.

Stroke Order

动 dòng

笔 bǐ