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) T3
1office
2bureau
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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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
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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
Complete the Sentence
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)
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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.
The two sides met to put their signatures to a formal agreement.
Cultural Notes for 署
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 署
Compounds5
薯shu3yam, tuber, potato
曙shu3dawn, daybreak; the dawn of an era
糬shu5sticky rice; mochi
濖
鱰
Words Containing This Character17
签署qiānshǔto sign (an agreement)簽署
部署bùshǔto dispose
署shǔoffice
署名to sign (a signature)
总署general office總署
审计署audit office審計署
海关总署General Administration of Customs (GAC)海關總署
行署administrative office
警察署police station
联署joint signatures (on a letter or declaration)聯署
公署government office
卫生署health bureau (or office, or department, or agency)衛生署
地检署district prosecutor's office地檢署
警政署National Police Agency (Taiwan)
行政公署administrative office
衙署yamen
内政部警政署National Police Agency (Taiwan)內政部警政署
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 薯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 署
In everyday conversation, 署 is not commonly used. It primarily appears in formal contexts such as government offices.
No, 署 is specifically used for official or governmental offices, while '办公室' (bàngōngshì) is used for personal or informal office settings.
It is pronounced as 'shǔ', with a third tone that dips down and then rises.
