HSK 6, ng, 13 strokes, radical 罒, rank #7163, Hard
署
shǔ
bureau
HSK 6, ng, 13 strokes, radical 罒, rank #7163, Hard
署
shǔ
to sign
HSK 6, ng, 13 strokes, radical 罒, rank #7163, Hard
署
shǔ
bureau, public office; to sign
HSK 6, ng, 13 strokes, radical 罒, rank #7163, Hard
shǔ(shu3)shu T3
1office
2bureau
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
署shǔ(shu3)
The character 署 (shǔ) primarily refers to an office or bureau, often within a governmental or organizational context. It can also mean 'to sign,' indicating the act of writing one's name or endorsement on a document. Commonly seen in terms like '税务署' (shuìwù shǔ), meaning 'tax bureau,' it conveys a sense of formal authority or administrative function.
Strokes13Radical罒Frequency#7163DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, 署 reflects the structured nature of government organizations and their roles in citizens' lives. For instance, tax offices (税务署) play a crucial role in the financial responsibilities of citizens, highlighting the importance of proper documentation in daily affairs.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large building with a big sign outside that says 'Office' (署). Picture yourself walking in and signing your name on a document. The pronunciation 'shǔ' sounds like 'shoo' as you 'shoo' away distractions to focus on your signing.
Meanings of 署
shǔ(shu3)
1office
2bureau
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 署 means.
About 署
署Simplified
13Strokes
罒Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#7163Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 署
Podcast: 署
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 署
Quick Contrast
局 (jú) - use 署 (shǔ) when referring specifically to an office or bureau with formal authority, while 局 (jú) can refer more generally to a department or situation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the context when using 署, as it is more formal and typically associated with government or official organizations. Common collocations include '海关署' (hǎiguān shǔ) for 'customs office.' Avoid using it in casual conversations where '办公室' (bàngōngshì) for 'office' might be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
Although 署 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is important for learners at higher levels, especially those interested in administrative or formal contexts. Focus on its use in compound words and its formal connotations to enhance vocabulary related to governmental functions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 署 with 办公室 (bàngōngshì), mistakenly using it in informal contexts. For example, saying '我在税务署工作' (Wǒ zài shuìwù shǔ gōngzuò) when they mean 'I work at an office' instead of 'I work at the tax bureau' is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 署
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 署 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 署 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 署?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 署 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
署 = 罒 + 者. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 署
IDS Structure⿱罒者
署Full Character
=
罒wang3
top
者zhe3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 署?
How to say office in Chinese
“office” in Chinese is署shǔ
The character 署 (shǔ) primarily refers to an office or bureau, often within a governmental or organizational context. It can also mean 'to sign,' indicating the act of writing one's name or endorsement on a document. Commonly seen in terms like '税务署' (shuìwù shǔ), meaning 'tax bureau,' it conveys a sense of formal authority or administrative function.
When to use 署
Be cautious of the context when using 署, as it is more formal and typically associated with government or official organizations. Common collocations include '海关署' (hǎiguān shǔ) for 'customs office.' Avoid using it in casual conversations where '办公室' (bàngōngshì) for 'office' might be more appropriate.
署 or something close to it
局 (jú) - use 署 (shǔ) when referring specifically to an office or bureau with formal authority, while 局 (jú) can refer more generally to a department or situation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 署 with 办公室 (bàngōngshì), mistakenly using it in informal contexts. For example, saying '我在税务署工作' (Wǒ zài shuìwù shǔ gōngzuò) when they mean 'I work at an office' instead of 'I work at the tax bureau' is incorrect.
Write 署
署
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 署 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 署
署 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
西班牙的当务之急是签____《欧洲经济和货币联盟条约》。
Spain's top priority is the signing of an EMU treaty.
Example Sentences for 署 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
西班牙的当务之急是签署《欧洲经济和货币联盟条约》。
xī bān yá de dāng wù zhī jí shì qiān shǔ《 《 ōu zhōu jīng jì hé huò bì lián méng tiáo》。
Spain's top priority is the signing of an EMU treaty.
