草案
How to Understand
草案 refers to a preliminary version of a document, plan, or proposal that has not yet been finalized. It is often used in legal, political, or organizational contexts to describe an initial draft before it is officially approved.
The character 草 (cǎo) means 'grass' or 'roughly,' and is often used to indicate something informal or preliminary. 案 (àn) means 'case' or 'file,' and can also refer to a formal record or plan. Together, 草案 suggests an initial or working version of a formal document.
草案 is commonly used in government, business, and academic settings. For example, a legislative body may release a 草案 for public comment before finalizing a law. Understanding the difference between 草案 and the final version (定稿) is important for following official processes.