verb / noun HSK 5
to print · printing
Meaning
印刷 refers to the process of reproducing text or images on paper or other materials using mechanical or digital methods. As a verb, it means 'to print' something; as a noun, it refers to the printing industry or the act of printing itself.
Usage
This is the formal, technical term for printing used in professional and academic contexts. It's commonly used when discussing publishing, printing technology, or the printing industry. For everyday situations like printing a document at home, people often use 打印 (dǎ yìn) instead.
Examples
- 01这本书的印刷质量很好。.The printing quality of this book is very good.
- 02中国古代发明了活字印刷术。.Ancient China invented movable type printing technology.
Characters
Common collocations
- 印刷术printing technology
- 印刷厂printing house/factory
- 印刷品printed matter
- 印刷业printing industry
Origin
The word combines 印 (seal/stamp) and 刷 (to brush/apply), originally referring to the traditional method of applying ink to carved blocks and pressing them onto paper.