Chinese word

书面语

Pronunciation

Pinyinshū miàn yǔ

Meaning

  • nounformal written language

Example

正式的邀请通常用书面语写成。zhèng shì de yāo qǐng tōng cháng yòng shū miàn yǔ xiě chéng

Formal invitations are usually written in formal language.

Illustration for 书面语 (formal written language)

More examples

写邮件时，正式的内容最好用书面语。xiě yóu jiàn shí zhèng shì de nèi róng zuì hǎo yòng shū miàn yǔ

When writing emails, it is best to use formal written language for formal content.

Core concept

A polished, standard register built for documents and official communication.

Common phrases

  • 用书面语写yòng shū miàn yǔ xiě

    write in formal written language

  • 书面语词汇shū miàn yǔ cí huì

    formal written vocabulary

Similar words

口语kóu yǔ: Natural, casual language used in everyday speech and conversation.
正式用语zhèng shì yòng yǔ: Set, formal expressions used in interviews and official documents.
书面用语shū miàn yòng yǔ: Established wording and vocabulary commonly used in written texts.

Definition in Chinese

书面语指用于书写文本或正式交流的语言风格，常采用书面惯用表达、完整句式和标准词汇，与口语存在用法差别。shū miàn yǔ zhǐ yòng yú shū xiě wén běn huò zhèng shì jiāo liú de yǔ yán fēng gé cháng cǎi yòng shū miàn guàn yòng biǎo dá wán zhěng jù shì hé biāo zhǔn cí huì yǔ kóu yǔ cún zài yòng fǎ chā bié

Word origin

书面语 (shūmiànyǔ, "formal written language") is formed from 书面 (shūmiàn, "written") + 语 (yǔ, "language"), a transparent name for language associated with the written page.

Usage tips

  • A phrase that sounds natural in a notice may sound stiff in a chat, where shorter conversational wording is usually preferred.

Opposites

Related words

  • 书面表达shū miàn biǎo dáwritten expressionnoun
  • 书面形式shū miàn xíng shìwritten formnoun

Word lists with this word