What is Chinese writing called in Chinese?

Chinese writing is called Hànzì (汉字) in Chinese.

Understanding Hànzì: The Foundation of Chinese Writing

Hànzì, which translates to "Han characters," refers to the system of logograms used to write the Chinese language. It is a rich and complex writing system with a long history and various forms, serving as the fundamental building blocks for written communication in Chinese.

Forms of Chinese Characters

Chinese characters primarily exist in two main forms, both derived from the same ancient roots but differing in their complexity and usage:

• Simplified Characters (简体字 Jiǎntǐzì): These are the standard script predominantly used in mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia. They were developed and promoted to simplify the writing process, aiming to improve literacy rates.
• Traditional Characters (繁體字 Fántǐzì): These are more complex and contain a greater number of strokes. They remain in prevalent use in regions such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

The Ancient Origins of Chinese Writing

The origins of Chinese characters are deeply rooted in ancient history, dating back to the 14th century BC during the Shang Dynasty. The earliest known form of Chinese writing is identified as:

• Oracle Bone Scripts (甲骨文 jiǎ gǔ wén): These are characters meticulously inscribed on bones or tortoise shells. Historically, these artifacts were primarily used for divination practices, and the inscriptions provide invaluable insights into the early stages of Chinese language development, ancient beliefs, and cultural practices.

Key Terms in Chinese Writing

For quick reference, here are the essential terms related to Chinese writing: