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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "set" or "establish" with 设 (shè)

    Actions & Events
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    Subject + 设 + Object + 为 + State

    Explanation

    设 (shè) is a verb meaning "to set," "to establish," or "to configure." It is used in both abstract contexts (setting rules) and practical ones (configuring settings). For example, you might 设为 (set as) your social media account to private.

    Examples

    • 我已经把账号设为私密了，别人看不到。

      Wǒ yǐjīng bǎ zhànghào shè wéi sīmì le, biérén kàn bú dào.

      I've already set my account to private; others can't see it.

    • 你可以把这首歌设为手机铃声。

      Nǐ kěyǐ bǎ zhè shǒu gē shè wéi shǒujī língshēng.

      You can set this song as your phone ringtone.

    • 公司设了一个新的部门来负责海外业务。

      Gōngsī shè le yī gè xīn de bùmén lái fùzé hǎiwài yèwù.

      The company set up a new department to handle overseas business.

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    Expressing "set" or "establish" with 设 (shè) | Chinese Grammar