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March 24, 2026
射(䠶)shè(she4)
The character 射 (shè) primarily means 'to shoot' or 'to emit.' It is commonly used in contexts involving projectiles, such as arrows or bullets, and can also refer to emitting light or sound. Additionally, it has applications in chemistry, particularly in terms like 'radioactive emissions.'
Strokes10Radical寸Frequency#1157DifficultyHard
Cultural note
射 has historical significance in Chinese archery, a traditional skill celebrated in festivals and martial arts. Archery was not only a sport but also a military skill in ancient China, which reflects the importance of precision and training.
Memory tip
Think of 射 (shè) as a person shooting an arrow. The top part resembles a bow (弓) while the lower part can be imagined as the arrow being released. Visualize the action of shooting to remember the pronunciation.
Meanings of 射
shè(she4)
1to shoot, to eject, to emit
2to launch
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
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About 射
射Simplified
䠶Traditional
10Strokes
寸Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1157Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 射
Podcast: 射
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AI study notes for 射
Quick Contrast
射 (shè) vs 发 (fā) — use 射 when referring specifically to shooting or projecting something like a bullet or arrow, while 发 is more general for emitting or sending out, such as light or sound.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 射 with similar-looking characters. It is typically used in more formal contexts when discussing shooting sports or scientific terminology. Common collocations include 射箭 (shèjiàn - to shoot arrows) and 射击 (shèjī - to shoot, as in firearms).
HSK Study Tips
While 射 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other verbs about movement and action, such as 打 (dǎ - to hit) and 投 (tóu - to throw). Focus on its usage in context to differentiate it from similar verbs.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 射 by confusing it with similar characters, like 设 (shè - to set up). For example, saying 射计划 (shè jìhuà - shoot a plan) instead of 设计划 (shè jìhuà - set up a plan) demonstrates this common error.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 射
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The character 射 (shè) primarily means 'to shoot' or 'to emit.' It is commonly used in contexts involving projectiles, such as arrows or bullets, and can also refer to emitting light or sound. Additionally, it has applications in chemistry, particularly in terms like 'radioactive emissions.'
When to use 射
Be careful not to confuse 射 with similar-looking characters. It is typically used in more formal contexts when discussing shooting sports or scientific terminology. Common collocations include 射箭 (shèjiàn - to shoot arrows) and 射击 (shèjī - to shoot, as in firearms).
射 or something close to it
射 (shè) vs 发 (fā) — use 射 when referring specifically to shooting or projecting something like a bullet or arrow, while 发 is more general for emitting or sending out, such as light or sound.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 射 by confusing it with similar characters, like 设 (shè - to set up). For example, saying 射计划 (shè jìhuà - shoot a plan) instead of 设计划 (shè jìhuà - set up a plan) demonstrates this common error.
Write 射
射
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Grammar patterns of 射
射 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.
In ancient times, hunters often shot wild animals in the forest.
13
古籍中记载的射礼是一种重要的文化活动。
gǔjí zhōng jìzǎi de shè lǐ shì yī zhǒng zhòngyào de wénhuà huódòng.
The archery ceremony recorded in ancient books was an important cultural activity.
14
传统的射箭比赛需要参赛者具备高度的专注力。
chuántǒng de shèjiàn bǐsài xūyào cānsàizhě jùbèi gāodù de zhuānzhù lì.
Traditional archery competitions require participants to have a high level of concentration.
15
在古代，中国的射艺被视为武术的一部分。
zài gǔdài, zhōngguó de shèyì bèi shì wéi wǔshù de yībùfèn.
In ancient times, Chinese archery was considered a part of martial arts.
16
历史上有许多关于射箭高手的传奇故事。
lìshǐ shàng yǒu xǔduō guānyú shèjiàn gāoshǒu de chuánqí gùshì.
Historically, there are many legendary stories about archery masters.
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Word Family of 射
Compounds5
谢xièsurname Xie
麝shèmusk deer
榭xièpavilion, kiosk
塮xiè
謝xièto thank; to refuse politely
Words containing this character20
射shèto shoot
发射fāshèto launch發射
注射zhùshèinjection
射手shèshǒuarcher
射击shèjīto shoot射擊
辐射fúshèradiation輻射
射门shèmén(soccer, handball etc) to kick or shoot the ball towards the goal射門
放射fàngshèto radiate
反射fǎnshèto reflect
照射zhàoshèto shine on
放射性fàngshèxìngradioactive
射线shèxiànray射線
射程shèchéngrange
喷射pēnshèto spurt噴射
发射器fāshèqìradio transmitter發射器
折射zhéshèto refract
射出shèchūemission
注射器zhùshèqìsyringe
扫射sǎoshèto strafe掃射
投射tóushèto cast (light)
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 射
What does 麝 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 射
射 (shè) primarily means 'to shoot' or 'to emit,' while 发 (fā) generally means 'to send out' or 'to issue.' The context of usage often distinguishes them; for example, 射 is used in physical contexts like shooting arrows, whereas 发 may be used for sending messages or making sounds.
Yes, 射 (shè) can be used in everyday conversation, especially in contexts related to sports, such as archery or shooting. It can also be found in idiomatic expressions or discussions related to emitting light or signals. However, be mindful of the context to ensure accurate communication.
射 (shè) has several meanings in Chinese, including 'to shoot,' 'to launch,' or 'to emit.' It can also refer to alluding to something in a metaphorical sense. In chemistry, it is often used as a prefix, such as in 'radio-' terms.
射 (shè) can be used in various contexts. For example, you might say '他射箭很厉害' (Tā shè jiàn hěn lìhài), which means 'He is very skilled at archery.' It can also be combined with other words to form phrases like 射击 (shèjī), meaning 'shooting'.
Some common phrases include 射箭 (shèjiàn - to shoot arrows) and 射击 (shèjī - to shoot, referring to firearms).
射 can be used in formal discussions, especially in sports or scientific contexts, but is less common in casual conversation.
射 is pronounced as 'shè' with a falling tone, which is crucial for its meaning.
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