摆

• Pinyin: bǎi
• Hanzi breakdown: 摆 = 扌(hand radical) + 罢 (phonetic component)

Meaning

To put; to place; to arrange. Describes positioning objects in a deliberate way.

A versatile verb for placing or arranging things with intention. Used for setting a table, arranging decorations, displaying items, or positioning furniture. Also appears in idioms and expressions like 摆姿势 (strike a pose) and 摆架子 (put on airs).

Examples

1. 她在桌子上摆了一瓶花，房间马上漂亮多了。 She placed a vase of flowers on the table, and the room immediately looked much prettier.
2. 超市的水果摆得整整齐齐的，看起来很新鲜。 The fruit in the supermarket is arranged very neatly and looks very fresh.
3. 请你帮我把这些书摆到书架上去。 Please help me put these books on the bookshelf.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, home

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 把碗筷摆好，准备吃饭。(Set out the bowls and chopsticks — get ready for dinner.)
• 客厅的沙发摆在哪里好？(Where should we put the living room sofa?)

Don't Say

• 说'摆一杯水在这里' (Don't use 摆 for casually putting down a single cup — use 放; 摆 implies deliberate arrangement or display)

Origin & History

Originally written with the hand radical 扌, indicating a manual action. The right component 罢 serves as the phonetic element. The character has meant 'to arrange by hand' since ancient times.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal