抄写 (chāo xiě) is a verb meaning 'to copy out by hand' — typically referring to writing down text word for word, often for practice, memorization, or transcription. The first character 抄 (chāo) means 'to copy' or 'to transcribe', while 写 (xiě) means 'to write'. Together, they emphasize the physical act of handwriting someone else’s words, not typing or summarizing. This activity is common in Chinese language learning, calligraphy practice, and classroom settings where students reinforce vocabulary or grammar through repetition.

Unlike general 'writing' (写作 zuòwén), 抄写 implies fidelity to the original source: no omissions, substitutions, or paraphrasing. It carries a neutral-to-formal register and is rarely used for creative or original composition. You’ll see it in textbooks as an exercise instruction (e.g., '请抄写下面的句子'), and it’s also used in administrative contexts, like copying official documents by hand when digital tools aren’t available.