cǎo'àn: 草案 - Draft, Bill, Proposal

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• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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 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.

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).

• 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.