Meanings of 設
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 設
Podcast: 設
Podcast: 設
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 設
設 (shè) vs 建 (jiàn) — use 設 when emphasizing design or planning, while 建 focuses more on the act of building or constructing.
Be cautious with the tone; 設 is pronounced with a falling tone (shè). It is often used in formal contexts, such as in academic or professional discussions. Common collocations include 設計 (shèjì, design) and 設立 (shèlì, to establish).
While 設 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be linked to HSK 4 vocabulary related to planning and organization, like 計劃 (jìhuà, plan). Students should focus on its application in professional contexts and practice combining it with other verbs.
Learners often confuse 設 (shè) with 设 (shè) which is a simplified form. Another mistake is using it interchangeably with 建 (jiàn) which means 'to build' but has different connotations; remember that 設 emphasizes design and planning.
Pronunciation of 設
Drill the tone of 設 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 設
Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 殳 represents the sound. Simplified form of 設.
speech
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 設
Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 殳 represents the sound. Simplified form of 設.
- 1The meaning half言 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half殳 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayspeech
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 設? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 設?
Decomposition of 設
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 設?
How to say to build, to design; to establish; to offer in Chinese
“to build, to design; to establish; to offer” in Chinese is設
The character 設 (shè) primarily means to build or design something, often referring to the establishment of systems or frameworks. It is commonly used in contexts like architecture, planning, and formal organization, conveying a sense of intentionality and structure in creation.
When to use 設
Be cautious with the tone; 設 is pronounced with a falling tone (shè). It is often used in formal contexts, such as in academic or professional discussions. Common collocations include 設計 (shèjì, design) and 設立 (shèlì, to establish).
設 or something close to it
設 (shè) vs 建 (jiàn) — use 設 when emphasizing design or planning, while 建 focuses more on the act of building or constructing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 設 (shè) with 设 (shè) which is a simplified form. Another mistake is using it interchangeably with 建 (jiàn) which means 'to build' but has different connotations; remember that 設 emphasizes design and planning.
Write 設
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 設 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 設
Compound Meaning
What does 设计 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 設
Some common phrases include 設計 (shèjì, design) and 設立 (shèlì, to establish), which are frequently used in business and creative contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 設?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.