====== cǎo'àn: 草案 - Draft, Bill, Proposal ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** 草案, caoan, 草案 meaning, what is caoan, Chinese for draft, draft bill in Chinese, draft proposal, Chinese law, business contract draft, 草, 案, cǎogǎo vs cǎo'àn
  * **Summary:** Learn the meaning of **草案 (cǎo'àn)**, the essential Chinese word for a "draft," "bill," or formal "proposal." This page breaks down its characters, cultural significance in law and business, and practical usage in modern China. Discover the key difference between a formal **草案** and an informal `草稿 (cǎogǎo)`, and see how this term is used in over 10 real-world example sentences, making it a crucial vocabulary word for understanding formal Chinese communication.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** cǎo'àn
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 6
  * **Concise Definition:** A preliminary version of a formal document, such as a plan, law, or contract, that is open for discussion and revision.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **草案 (cǎo'àn)** is the word you use for a serious, official "draft." Think of a new law being debated in parliament, a business contract being circulated for review, or a formal plan for a new project. The word itself implies that the document is not yet final and is meant to be discussed, amended, and improved upon by a group. It carries a weight of formality that the simple English word "draft" sometimes lacks.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **草 (cǎo):** The primary meaning of this character is "grass" or "straw." By extension, it also took on the meaning of "rough," "hasty," or "preliminary," much like one might make a quick sketch or write a rough copy. It visually depicts grass (艹) growing from the sun/day (日) and early morning (早).
  * **案 (àn):** This character originally meant a low wooden table or desk (notice the 木 'wood' radical at the bottom). Because official documents, plans, and legal cases were reviewed at such desks, **案** came to mean "record," "plan," "proposal," or "legal case."
When combined, **草案 (cǎo'àn)** literally translates to "grass document" or "rough plan." This elegantly captures the concept of a preliminary, unpolished document that is laid out on the table for formal consideration.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In Chinese culture, particularly in official and business settings, there is a strong emphasis on process, deliberation, and consensus-building. The concept of a **草案 (cǎo'àn)** is central to this. It represents a structured starting point for a formal discussion, not just a random idea.
Let's compare **草案 (cǎo'àn)** to the American/Western concept of a "draft."
In English, "draft" can be very informal. You can have a "draft of an email" or a "rough draft of a college essay." This is a personal, often messy, stage of writing.
**草案 (cǎo'àn)**, however, operates at a higher level of formality. It implies a document that has already been through some level of internal preparation and is now ready for collective review. For example, when a new law is proposed in China, it is presented as a **法律草案 (fǎlǜ cǎo'àn)**, or "draft law." This document is then publicly discussed, debated by legislators, and revised—sometimes for years—before it is **通过 (tōngguò)**, or "passed."
This reflects a cultural value of careful, collective consideration before making a final, binding decision. The **草案** stage is a critical, respected part of the process, ensuring that multiple perspectives are heard before a plan is finalized.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
You will encounter **草案 (cǎo'àn)** primarily in formal contexts. It's not a word used in casual, everyday chat.
  * **Government and Law:** This is its most common usage. News reports are filled with discussions about a **宪法修正案草案 (xiànfǎ xiūzhèng'àn cǎo'àn)** (draft amendment to the constitution) or a **预算草案 (yùsuàn cǎo'àn)** (draft budget).
  * **Business and Contracts:** Before signing a major deal, companies will exchange and negotiate a **合同草案 (hétong cǎo'àn)** (draft contract). This document forms the basis for legal negotiation.
  * **Organizations and Planning:** A non-profit or a university department might circulate a **五年计划草案 (wǔnián jìhuà cǎo'àn)** (draft five-year plan) for feedback from stakeholders.
Its connotation is neutral and professional. It simply describes a specific stage in the creation of a formal document.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:** 
    * 委员会正在审议这项法律**草案**。
    * Pinyin: Wěiyuánhuì zhèngzài shěnyì zhè xiàng fǎlǜ **cǎo'àn**.
    * English: The committee is currently reviewing this draft law.
    * Analysis: A very typical use of **草案** in a formal, governmental context. **审议 (shěnyì)** means "to review and deliberate," a verb that pairs perfectly with **草案**.
  * **Example 2:** 
    * 这是我们公司的新项目**草案**，请您过目。
    * Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒmen gōngsī de xīn xiàngmù **cǎo'àn**, qǐng nín guòmù.
    * English: This is the draft proposal for our company's new project, please take a look.
    * Analysis: Used in a professional business setting. **请您过目 (qǐng nín guòmù)** is a polite way to ask someone to review a document.
  * **Example 3:** 
    * 这份**草案**还有很多需要修改的地方。
    * Pinyin: Zhè fèn **cǎo'àn** háiyǒu hěn duō xūyào xiūgǎi de dìfang.
    * English: This draft still has many areas that need revision.
    * Analysis: This sentence highlights the preliminary nature of a **草案**. The expectation is that it will be changed.
  * **Example 4:** 
    * 双方就和平协议**草案**达成了一致。
    * Pinyin: Shuāngfāng jiù hépíng xiéyì **cǎo'àn** dáchéng le yízhì.
    * English: The two parties reached an agreement on the draft peace treaty.
    * Analysis: Demonstrates the use of **草案** in international relations and negotiations.
  * **Example 5:** 
    * 在**草案**通过之前，公众可以提出意见。
    * Pinyin: Zài **cǎo'àn** tōngguò zhīqián, gōngzhòng kěyǐ tíchū yìjiàn.
    * English: Before the draft is passed, the public can submit their opinions.
    * Analysis: This shows the role of a **草案** in public policy and its relationship with the final action of **通过 (tōngguò)**, "to pass."
  * **Example 6:** 
    * 他负责起草这份决议**草案**。
    * Pinyin: Tā fùzé qǐcǎo zhè fèn juéyì **cǎo'àn**.
    * English: He is responsible for drafting this draft resolution.
    * Analysis: Here, we see the related verb **起草 (qǐcǎo)**, "to draft," used together with **草案**.
  * **Example 7:** 
    * 合同**草案**已经用邮件发给你了。
    * Pinyin: Hétong **cǎo'àn** yǐjīng yòng yóujiàn fā gěi nǐ le.
    * English: The draft of the contract has already been emailed to you.
    * Analysis: A common and practical sentence in a business context.
  * **Example 8:** 
    * 这只是一个初步**草案**，欢迎大家提建议。
    * Pinyin: Zhè zhǐshì yí ge chūbù **cǎo'àn**, huānyíng dàjiā tí jiànyì.
    * English: This is just an initial draft; everyone is welcome to make suggestions.
    * Analysis: The word **初步 (chūbù)**, meaning "initial" or "preliminary," is often used to emphasize the early stage of the **草案**.
  * **Example 9:** 
    * 联合国安理会否决了该**草案**。
    * Pinyin: Liánhéguó Ānlǐhuì fǒujué le gāi **cǎo'àn**.
    * English: The United Nations Security Council vetoed the draft resolution.
    * Analysis: Shows that a **草案** is not guaranteed to succeed and can be rejected.
  * **Example 10:** 
    * 这份**草案**将提交给全体大会进行投票。
    * Pinyin: Zhè fèn **cǎo'àn** jiāng tíjiāo gěi quántǐ dàhuì jìnxíng tóupiào.
    * English: This draft will be submitted to the general assembly for a vote.
    * Analysis: This sentence clearly outlines the next step in the formal process for a **草案**.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
The most significant pitfall for English speakers is confusing **草案 (cǎo'àn)** with **草稿 (cǎogǎo)**. They both translate to "draft," but their usage is completely different.
  *   **草案 (cǎo'àn):** A formal, structured, preliminary document for //collective// review. It's a bill, a proposal, a treaty, or a contract.
  *   **草稿 (cǎogǎo):** A rough, often messy, //personal// draft. It's a draft of your homework, an article you're writing, an email, or a sketch.
**Incorrect Usage:**
  *   `我给你看看我这封邮件的**草案**。` (Wǒ gěi nǐ kànkan wǒ zhè fēng yóujiàn de **cǎo'àn**.)
  *   **Why it's wrong:** An email is informal. It doesn't require a formal proposal for review.
  *   **Correct:** `我给你看看我这封邮件的**草稿**。` (Wǒ gěi nǐ kànkan wǒ zhè fēng yóujiàn de **cǎogǎo**.)
**Incorrect Usage:**
  *   `这是我们新法律的**草稿**。` (Zhè shì wǒmen xīn fǎlǜ de **cǎogǎo**.)
  *   **Why it's wrong:** A law is a highly formal document. Its preliminary version is for official deliberation, not a personal rough copy.
  *   **Correct:** `这是我们新法律的**草案**。` (Zhè shì wǒmen xīn fǎlǜ de **cǎo'àn**.)
Essentially, if it's for personal use or is a piece of creative/academic writing, use `草稿 (cǎogǎo)`. If it's a formal document for official, legal, or business deliberation, use **草案 (cǎo'àn)**.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  *   [[草稿]] (cǎogǎo) - The direct counterpart to **草案**. It means a rough draft for personal or informal work (e.g., an essay, an email, a drawing).
  *   [[定稿]] (dìnggǎo) - The finalized version of a document. This is the opposite of **草案**; it's what a **草案** becomes after all revisions are complete.
  *   [[起草]] (qǐcǎo) - (Verb) To draft. This is the action of creating a **草案** or `草稿`.
  *   [[提案]] (tí'àn) - A proposal or motion, usually put forward in a meeting. A `提案` often takes the form of a **草案**.
  *   [[法案]] (fǎ'àn) - A bill or act. This term is more specific than **草案** and is used exclusively for legislation. A **法律草案 (fǎlǜ cǎo'àn)** is a draft law, and once it's formally under consideration or passed, it might be referred to as a **法案**.
  *   [[通过]] (tōngguò) - (Verb) To pass, to adopt. This is what happens to a successful **草案** after it has been fully reviewed and voted upon.
  *   [[审议]] (shěnyì) - (Verb) To review and deliberate. The formal process of considering a **草案**.
  *   [[蓝图]] (lántú) - Blueprint. While **草案** is a concrete document, `蓝图` is more metaphorical and refers to a grand, visionary plan for the future.