Chinese word

摆设

Pronunciation

Pinyinbǎi shè

Meaning

  • noundecorative object

Example

房间里有很多摆设。fáng jiān lǐ yǒu hěn duō bǎi shè

There are many decorative objects in the room.

Illustration for 摆设 (decorative object)

More examples

这些摆设看着漂亮，但不太实用。zhè xiē bǎi shè kàn zhe piào liàng dàn bú tài shí yòng

These decorative objects look beautiful, but are not very practical.

Core concept

A set of visible things deliberately placed to make a room or shop look finished and inviting.

Common phrases

  • 家居摆设jiā jū bǎi shè

    home decor

  • 桌上摆设zhuō shàng bǎi shè

    tabletop decoration

  • 节日摆设jié rì bǎi shè

    holiday decorations

Similar words

摆件bǎi jiàn: A small decorative object displayed in a room or on a shelf.
装饰zhuāng shì: A decorative feature added to a building or object to improve its appearance.
饰品shì pǐn: A personal accessory or small decoration used to adorn clothing.
陈设chén shè: Furniture and decorative items arranged inside a room as part of its setup.

Definition in Chinese

指用来装饰或陈列房间、店铺等空间的物品，泛指放置以美化环境的饰品或摆件。zhǐ yòng lái zhuāng shì huò chén liè fáng jiān diàn pù děng kōng jiān de wù pǐn fàn zhǐ fàng zhì yǐ měi huà huán jìng de shì pǐn huò bǎi jiàn

Word origin

摆 (bǎi, "to place or arrange") + 设 (shè, "to set up") forms a compound for items deliberately set out to shape the appearance of a space.

Usage tips

  • Calling a person 摆设 (bǎishè, "decorative object") suggests that the person is present only for appearance, so the word can sound insulting in that use.

Other meanings

  • decorationnoun

Opposites

  • 实用品shí yòng pǐnpractical itemnoun
  • 日常用品rì cháng yòng pǐneveryday itemnoun

Related words

  • 摆设品bǎi shè pǐndecorative itemnoun

Word lists with this word