射

• Pinyin: shè
• Hanzi breakdown: 射 = 身 (body) + 寸 (inch/measure)

Meaning

To shoot; to fire; to emit; to radiate.

A versatile verb for projecting things outward: shooting arrows, firing bullets, emitting light, or radiating energy. Used in sports (射门 - shoot at goal), physics (辐射 - radiation), and various other contexts. The action implies forceful projection.

Examples

1. 他射箭射得很准，每次都能命中靶心。 He shoots arrows very accurately — he hits the bullseye every time.
2. 前锋一脚射门，球进了！ The striker took a shot — goal!
3. 阳光透过窗帘射进房间，把一切都照亮了。 Sunlight shot through the curtains into the room, illuminating everything.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, military, physics

Tone: active

Do Say

• 他射中了目标。(He hit the target.)
• 射手准备好了吗？(Are the shooters ready?)

Don't Say

• 我射了一张照片 — for taking photos, use 拍 or 拍摄, not 射

Origin & History

Ancient pictograph showing a bow and arrow, with 身 (body) representing the archer's stance and 寸 (inch) representing precise aim.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal