xieyi

Xieyi is a pinyin transliteration used for several Chinese terms that share the same pronunciation but have different characters and meanings. The two most common are 写意 (simplified) or 寫意 (traditional), referring to a style in visual art, and 协议 (simplified) or 協議 (traditional), meaning an agreement or protocol. The term thus spans both the arts and legal/business contexts.

In art, 写意 refers to a freehand or expressive painting style that emphasizes capturing the spirit, mood, and overall impression rather than precise likeness or meticulous detail. It is often associated with ink wash and brushwork, where broad strokes, washes, and spontaneity convey the essence of the subject. This approach contrasts with 工笔 (gongbi), the meticulous, detail-oriented school. 写意 has historical roots in literati painting and has been influential in Chinese painting since the Song and Yuan periods, continuing to shape contemporary ink painting and calligraphy.

In legal and business contexts, 协议 denotes an agreement reached after discussion or negotiation. It can denote a formal contract, a treaty, or a memorandum of understanding, depending on the jurisdiction and wording. Common usages include 签署协议 (sign an agreement) and 达成协议 (reach an agreement). The term is widely used in corporate, governmental, and international settings to describe negotiated arrangements, terms, and obligations among parties.

Overall, xieyi illustrates how a single pronunciation covers distinct meanings across culture and practice: an artistic method for expressing intention through form, and a formal instrument for organizing social or commercial commitments.