设备

• Pinyin: shè bèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 设 = 讠(speech) + 殳 (strike/act), meaning to establish or arrange; 备 = simplified from 備, meaning to prepare or equip

Meaning

Equipment; device; apparatus. Machines, tools, or systems used for a particular purpose.

A broad term covering everything from factory machinery (生产设备) to electronic devices (电子设备) to gym equipment (健身设备). Can refer to a single device or equipment in general. Very common in workplace, technology, and infrastructure contexts. Often modified by specific types: 医疗设备 (medical equipment), 网络设备 (network equipment).

Examples

1. 这个工厂的设备都是从国外进口的。 All the equipment in this factory was imported from abroad.
2. 医院需要更多先进的医疗设备。 The hospital needs more advanced medical equipment.
3. 使用设备之前请先阅读说明书。 Please read the manual before using the equipment.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, workplace, manufacturing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 公司刚买了一批新设备。(The company just purchased a batch of new equipment.)
• 这些设备需要定期维护。(This equipment needs regular maintenance.)

Don't Say

• 我买了一个设备回家用。(For personal home gadgets, 设备 sounds too formal — use 电器 or name the specific device instead.)

Origin & History

设 means to set up or establish; 备 means to prepare or equip. Together: things that are set up and prepared for use — equipment.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal