Definitions

shè (noun) society; organization; group

Etymology

Originally depicted a god () of the soil (). The meaning later shifted to "shrine", "congregation", and "society".

About

社 is a compound character combining the radical 礻 (shì), representing a ceremonial altar or spiritual matters, with 土 (tǔ), meaning earth or soil. Originally, it referred specifically to the local deity of the land or the altar used in worship to ensure good harvests. As community life and festivals grew around these altars, the meaning expanded from the physical site to the gathered people, eventually coming to signify an organized community, an association, or society as a whole.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我参加了学校团。

Wǒ cānjiā le xuéxiào shètuán.

I joined a school club.

这个区非常安静。

Zhège shèqū fēicháng ānjìng.

This community is very quiet.

会需要更多志愿者。

Shèhuì xūyào gèng duō zhìyuànzhě.

Society needs more volunteers.

公司经常组织交活动。

Gōngsī jīngcháng zǔzhī shèjiāo huódòng.

The company often organizes social events.

他负责报的编辑工作。

Tā fùzé bàoshè de biānjí gōngzuò.

He is responsible for editorial work at the newspaper.

他们正在开展会实践活动。

Tāmen zhèngzài kāizhǎn shèhuì shíjiàn huódòng.

They are carrying out social practice activities.

会保障体系正在不断完善。

Shèhuì bǎozhàng tǐxì zhèngzài búduàn wánshàn.

The social security system is constantly improving.

她的交媒体影响力很大。

Tā de shèjiāo méitǐ yǐngxiǎnglì hěn dà.

Her social media influence is very significant.