to build, to design

JLPT N5 6 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Meaning

The character (shè) primarily means "to set up," "to establish," or "to design." It is commonly used in contexts involving planning, creating, or installing something tangible or abstract, such as departments, systems, or devices.

Common Collocations

  • 设立 (shèlì): to establish or found, often used for organizations or institutions.
  • 设定 (shèdìng): to set or configure, frequently used for settings like alarms or parameters.
  • (shèyǒu): to be equipped with or to have, used to describe facilities or features.

Practical Notes

When using , it often appears in formal or written contexts, especially in business, technical, or administrative language. It implies intentional planning or arrangement rather than spontaneous action.

Avoid confusing with similar verbs like (zhuāng, to install) which often refers to physical installation, whereas can be more abstract or organizational.

Summary

Use when talking about establishing organizations, setting configurations, or describing facilities. It conveys a sense of deliberate design or arrangement.

Example Sentences

The company plans to establish a new research and development department.

Please set the alarm clock to get up at six tomorrow morning.

This park is equipped with several rest areas and a children's playground.