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摆设 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
摆设bǎisheto arrangeHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #13359, Very Hard
摆设bǎisheto set outHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #13359, Very Hard
摆设bǎisheto decorateHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #13359, Very Hard
摆设bǎisheto displayHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #13359, Very Hard
摆设bǎishedecorative itemsHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #13359, Very Hard
bǎishe(bai3she5)bai she T3
  1. 1to arrange
  2. 2to set out
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March 24, 2026

摆设(擺設)bǎishe(bai3she5)

摆设 (bǎi shè) refers to the act of arranging or setting out items in a way that is visually appealing, often for decorative purposes. It can also refer to decorative items themselves that are used to enhance the aesthetics of a space, such as ornaments or fixtures.

Strokes19Frequency#13359DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the arrangement of furniture and decorative items in a home is often influenced by Feng Shui, which emphasizes harmony and balance. The concept of 摆设 ties into this cultural practice, as it involves careful consideration of how items are displayed.

Memory tip

Imagine you are 'bai3' (buy) a beautiful 'she4' (set) of decorative items for your home. Picture each item carefully arranged to create a stunning display. The sound 'bai' and 'she' can remind you of buying and setting up your decor.

Meanings of 摆设

bǎishe(bai3she5)
1to arrange
2to set out
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About 摆设

摆设Simplified
擺設Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 摆设

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AI study notes for 摆设

Quick Contrast

摆放 (bǎifàng) refers to the act of placing items in a specific location without the decorative connotation of 摆设; use 摆设 when emphasizing aesthetics.

Usage Notes

This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing home decoration or event setups. A common mistake is to confuse 摆设 with 布置 (bù zhì), which emphasizes the arrangement aspect more than mere display. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 摆设; mispronouncing either character can lead to misunderstanding.

HSK Study Tips

While 摆设 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with HSK 3 and 4 words related to home and decoration such as 家 (jiā - home) and 装饰 (zhuāng shì - to decorate). Focus on using it in sentences about your personal space or planning an event.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 摆设 with 布置, thinking they can be used interchangeably. For example, using '布置' to refer to decorative items alone is incorrect; instead, use 摆设 for that context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 摆设

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Component characters

摆bǎito arrange
HSK 613 strokes扌
View full entry
设shèto set up
HSK 76 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say to arrange in Chinese

“to arrange” in Chinese is摆设bǎishe

摆设 (bǎi shè) refers to the act of arranging or setting out items in a way that is visually appealing, often for decorative purposes. It can also refer to decorative items themselves that are used to enhance the aesthetics of a space, such as ornaments or fixtures.

When to use 摆设

This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing home decoration or event setups. A common mistake is to confuse 摆设 with 布置 (bù zhì), which emphasizes the arrangement aspect more than mere display. Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 摆设; mispronouncing either character can lead to misunderstanding.

摆设 or something close to it

摆放 (bǎifàng) refers to the act of placing items in a specific location without the decorative connotation of 摆设; use 摆设 when emphasizing aesthetics.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 摆设 with 布置, thinking they can be used interchangeably. For example, using '布置' to refer to decorative items alone is incorrect; instead, use 摆设 for that context.

Write 摆设

摆
设

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Frequently asked questions about 摆设

摆设 focuses more on the arrangement and display of items, while 装饰 refers to the act of decorating or adorning a space.

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