Meanings of 设想
By ear
Play it, then pick what 设想 means.
About 设想
Podcast: 设想
Podcast: 设想
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 设想
假设 (jiǎshè) - use 设想 when emphasizing the act of imagining or envisioning scenarios, while 假设 is more focused on making assumptions or hypotheses.
Learners often confuse 设想 with similar terms like 想象 (xiang3 xiang4), which means 'to imagine' but lacks the connotation of planning. Use 设想 in both formal and informal contexts, typically when discussing strategies or possibilities. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
As an HSK 6 word, 设想 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to planning and speculation. Focus on using it in context with related words like 计划 (ji4 hua4, plan) and 假设 (jia3 she4, hypothesis) to enhance your understanding.
Learners may incorrectly use 设想 in contexts that require a definitive statement, leading to phrases like '我设想明天会下雨' (I imagine it will rain tomorrow) instead of '我认为明天会下雨' (I believe it will rain tomorrow). Correct usage involves contexts of planning or hypothesizing.
Pronunciation of 设想
Drill the tone of 设想 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 设想 to You
Let me explain 设想 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 设想 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 设想?
Learning Lab
Knowing 设想 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say to imagine in Chinese
“to imagine” in Chinese is设想
设想 refers to the act of imagining or assuming something, often in a speculative or theoretical context. It can also imply the development of tentative plans or considerations about future scenarios, making it relevant in discussions about strategy or planning.
When to use 设想
Learners often confuse 设想 with similar terms like 想象 (xiang3 xiang4), which means 'to imagine' but lacks the connotation of planning. Use 设想 in both formal and informal contexts, typically when discussing strategies or possibilities. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
设想 or something close to it
假设 (jiǎshè) - use 设想 when emphasizing the act of imagining or envisioning scenarios, while 假设 is more focused on making assumptions or hypotheses.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 设想 in contexts that require a definitive statement, leading to phrases like '我设想明天会下雨' (I imagine it will rain tomorrow) instead of '我认为明天会下雨' (I believe it will rain tomorrow). Correct usage involves contexts of planning or hypothesizing.
Write 设想
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 设想 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 设想
设想 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 5 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____一下你突然被带走丢到了摩洛哥。你能多好地适应那里的语言、天气和人等等？
Imagine if you were suddenly swept up and deposited in Morocco. How well could you cope with the language, the weather, the people, and so on?
Example Sentences for 设想 (2)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 设想?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 设想
Yes, while it's often used in formal contexts, it can also appear in casual discussions about future plans.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 设想?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.