设计

• Pinyin: shè jì
• Hanzi breakdown: 设 = 讠(speech) + 殳 (act), meaning to establish; 计 = 讠(speech) + 十 (ten), meaning to calculate or plan

Meaning

To design; design. The process of planning and creating the form, function, or appearance of something.

Used both as a verb (设计一个方案 = design a plan) and as a noun (这个设计很好 = this design is great). Applies to a wide range of fields: architecture, fashion, software, graphics, and product development. A 设计师 is a designer. Very common in modern professional and creative contexts.

Examples

1. 这座大楼是一位著名建筑师设计的。 This building was designed by a famous architect.
2. 她从小就喜欢设计漂亮的衣服。 She has loved designing beautiful clothes since she was little.
3. 这个产品的设计非常简单实用。 The design of this product is very simple and practical.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, fashion, technology, creative work

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个网站设计得很漂亮。(This website is designed very beautifully.)
• 谁设计了这个标志？(Who designed this logo?)

Don't Say

• 我设计去北京旅游。(Don't use 设计 for planning a trip — use 计划 or 打算. 设计 is for creative or structural design, not general planning.)

Origin & History

设 means to establish, arrange, or set up; 计 means to plan or calculate. Together: to plan and arrange the creation of something — to design.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal