设

設

shè

殳 + 讠

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

shè (verb) to set up; to establish

shè (verb) to arrange; to display

shè (conjunction) suppose; if

Etymology

Depicts the process of setting something up using speech (讠) and a hand holding a tool (殳).

Semantic: 讠 Phonetic: 殳

About

The simplified character 设 derives from the traditional 設, which is composed of the semantic radical 言 (speech, simplified to 讠) and the component 殳, depicting a hand holding a weapon or tool. This combination originally depicted setting something up through verbal commands and physical action, using speech to direct someone who wields a tool to arrange objects or organize work. Over time, the meaning broadened from concrete physical arrangement to abstract concepts like establishing, setting up, designing, and founding institutions and systems, a shift from physical setup to organizational planning.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他设计了新产品。

Tā shèjì le xīn chǎnpǐn.

He designed a new product.

我们学校设置了新课程。

Wǒmen xuéxiào shèzhì le xīn kèchéng.

Our school set up new courses.

这个设备非常先进。

Zhège shèbèi fēichāng xiānjìn.

This equipment is very advanced.

假设明天下雨，我们就不去了。

Jiǎshè míngtiān xià yǔ, wǒmen jiù bù qù le.

If it rains tomorrow, we will not go.

建设文明城市需要大家努力。

Jiànshè wénmíng chéngshì xūyào dàjiā nǔlì.

Building a civilized city requires everyone's effort.

他们设法解决了那个难题。

Tāmen shèfǎ jiějué le nàge nántí.

They managed to solve that difficult problem.

公司计划设立一个新的部门。

Gōngsī jìhuà shèlì yīgè xīn de bùmén.

The company plans to establish a new department.

科学家设想了未来城市的模样。

Kēxuéjiā shèxiǎng le wèilái chéngshì de múyàng.

Scientists envisioned the appearance of future cities.

Related Characters

Component: 殳

Component: 讠

设