Definition
写生 is a separable verb-object compound (离合词): it literally means 'sketch life' and refers to drawing or painting from direct observation (a live model, landscape, or still life). The two syllables can split when you insert a measure word, duration, or object — for example, 写了一次生 ('did one sketching session') or 写什么生 ('do what sketching'). In non-split form it stands together as one action.
v.o.
(v.o.) to sketch or paint from life/natureto do outdoor or studio drawing from direct observation
Examples
- 写生。Zhōumò wǒmen qù gōngyuán xiě.This weekend we're going to the park to sketch from life.
- 。Tā jīntiān zài shān shàng xiě le yì tiān shēng.He spent the whole day up on the mountain sketching from nature.
- 写生，。Tā hěn xǐhuan xiě, huà de tèbié shēngdòng.She really enjoys sketching from life and her drawings are especially vivid.
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