Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
设(設)shè(she4)
The character 设 (shè) primarily means to set up or establish something. It is commonly used in contexts such as setting up a meeting, arranging a display, or founding an organization. The nuance often implies a deliberate action taken to create or organize something structured.
Strokes6Radical讠Frequency#3412DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting up proper arrangements, whether in business or social gatherings, reflects respect and order. For example, the careful arrangement of seating during a banquet is essential for demonstrating hierarchy and respect.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person setting up a grand display (设) at a show. The character consists of the radical '設', which can be visualized as a person arranging items on a table, representing the act of setting up. The pronunciation 'shè' can be remembered by associating it with 'set' in English.
Meanings of 设
shè(she4)
1to set up
2to arrange
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 设
设Simplified
設Traditional
6Strokes
讠Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3412Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 设
Podcast: 设
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 设
Quick Contrast
设 (shè) vs 建 (jiàn): Use 设 when emphasizing the act of setting up or arranging, while 建 focuses on the act of building or constructing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person setting up a grand display (设) at a show. The character consists of the radical '設', which can be visualized as a person arranging items on a table, representing the act of setting up. The pronunciation 'shè' can be remembered by associating it with 'set' in English.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 设 with similar characters like 设立 (shèlì, to establish), which is more formal. This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its use in written communication where clarity is essential. A common collocation is 设定 (shèdìng), meaning to set or define parameters.
HSK Study Tips
Although not in the official HSK list, 设 is useful for learners at the HSK 4 level and above, especially when discussing planning or organizational contexts. Focus on its usage in phrases and compounds to understand its application better.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting up proper arrangements, whether in business or social gatherings, reflects respect and order. For example, the careful arrangement of seating during a banquet is essential for demonstrating hierarchy and respect.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 设 with 设定 (shèdìng), which specifically means to set definitions or parameters. For instance, saying '我设定一个会议' instead of '我设一个会议' can lead to misunderstandings about the type of arrangement being discussed.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 设
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 设 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 设 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 设
设 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The car neatly blends classic styling into a smooth modern package.
Cultural Notes for 设
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, setting up proper arrangements, whether in business or social gatherings, reflects respect and order. For example, the careful arrangement of seating during a banquet is essential for demonstrating hierarchy and respect.
Word Family of 设
Words Containing This Character20
设计shèjìplan設計
建设jiànshèto build建設
设备shèbèiequipment設備
假设jiǎshèto suppose假設
设shèto set up設
设计师shèjìshīdesigner設計師
设施shèshīfacilities設施
设置shèzhìto set up設置
设立shèlìto set up設立
设法shèfǎto try設法
设定shèdìngto set設定
设想shèxiǎngto imagine設想
开设kāishèto offer (goods or services)開設
想方设法xiǎngfāngshèfǎto try this, that and the other想方設法
摆设bǎisheto arrange擺設
建设性constructive建設性
铺设to install (wiring, cable)鋪設
设计者designer設計者
增设to add to existing facilities or services增設
不堪设想unthinkable不堪設想
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 设计 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 设
Common phrases include '设定' (shè dìng), meaning 'to set' or 'to determine', and '设置' (shè zhì), which means 'to configure' or 'to set up'. These phrases illustrate how 设 is used in everyday language.
While both 设 (shè) and 设立 (shè lì) involve the idea of setting up, 设立 specifically means 'to establish' or 'to found', often used in formal contexts like establishing an organization. 设 is broader and can refer to general arrangements.
设 (shè) means 'to set up' or 'to arrange'. It is often used in contexts where something is being established or displayed, such as setting up a plan or arranging a meeting.
You can use 设 (shè) in sentences like '我设一个目标' (Wǒ shè yī gè mùbiāo), which means 'I set a goal.' It indicates the action of establishing or arranging something, and it can be applied in various contexts.
You can say '我想设一个会议' (Wǒ xiǎng shè yīgè huìyì), meaning 'I want to set up a meeting.'
No, 设 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure clarity in formal writing.
Yes, 设 can refer to various types of arrangements, including events, displays, and organizational structures.
