设 (shè) — to set up, to establish; (math.) suppose, given
Definition
设 is a formal verb meaning 'to set up / establish' (institutions, systems, offices). In math it introduces a hypothesis ('suppose, given'). Compare 假设 (verb+noun 'suppose; hypothesis') and 假使 (conjunction 'if').
verb
to set upto establish(math.) supposegiven
Examples
- 设。Tā zài shàng hǎi shè le yì jiā fēn gōng sī.He set up a branch company in Shanghai.
- 设x5，。Wǒ men shè x wèi 5, rán hòu jì suàn.We suppose x is 5, then calculate.
- 设。Tā zài kè tīng lǐ shè le yí gè shū jià.He set up a bookshelf in the living room.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 設; 设 is its simplified writing.
Sound part声符shēngfú
埶
埶yì設shè
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
The traditional form 設 uses 言 (speech) to show the meaning and 埶 to give the sound; this explanation is for 設, not the simplified 设.
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