Concise Writing

Concise Expression in Chinese

One of the highest writing virtues in Chinese is 言简意赅 — to say everything that needs to be said in the fewest words. At C1, you must actively cut redundancy.

Common redundancy traps:

• 首先先…… — 首先 already means "first", 先 is redundant → use 首先 alone
• 继续继续做…… — one 继续 is enough
• 原因是因为…… — 原因 (reason) and 因为 (because) overlap → use 原因是…… or 因为……
• 我个人认为我自己…… — drop 我自己, 我个人认为 suffices

Three revision questions: 1. Can this sentence be said in fewer words without losing meaning? 2. Does every word add value, or is some just filler? 3. Is this point already implied elsewhere?

The 画蛇添足 principle: Adding unnecessary detail is not thoroughness — it dilutes impact. A brilliant one-sentence conclusion is stronger than three weak sentences.

Practical editing technique: Write first, then cut 20%. In the second pass, cut 10% more. Professional Chinese writers aim for density without obscurity.