设立

• Pinyin: shè lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 设 = 讠(speech) + 殳 (act), meaning to arrange; 立 = pictograph of a person standing on the ground, meaning to stand or establish

Meaning

To set up; to establish; to found. To create an organisation, position, or system formally.

A formal verb used for establishing institutions, organisations, departments, offices, or awards. More formal than 建立 (which also means to establish but is broader). Typically used in official, institutional, and governmental contexts. Common objects: 设立机构 (set up an institution), 设立奖项 (establish an award), 设立分公司 (set up a branch office).

Examples

1. 政府在这里设立了一个新的办事处。 The government set up a new office here.
2. 学校设立了一个特别奖学金来鼓励学生。 The school established a special scholarship to encourage students.
3. 公司决定在上海设立分公司。 The company decided to set up a branch office in Shanghai.

Usage Guide

Context: government, institutions, business

Tone: official

Do Say

• 这个基金会设立于2010年。(This foundation was established in 2010.)
• 市政府设立了专门的投诉热线。(The city government set up a dedicated complaint hotline.)

Don't Say

• 我在家里设立了一个书架。(Don't use 设立 for placing furniture at home — just say 我在家里放了一个书架.)

Origin & History

设 means to set up or arrange; 立 means to stand or establish. Together: to set something up so it stands on its own — to establish formally.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal