bùzhì: 布置 - To Arrange, Decorate, Assign

• Keywords: 布置, buzhi, how to use buzhi, 布置 meaning, decorate in Chinese, arrange in Chinese, assign homework in Chinese, Chinese word for set up, 布置 vs 安排, HSK 4 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn the versatile Chinese word 布置 (bùzhì), which means “to arrange,” “to decorate,” or “to assign.” This comprehensive guide covers everything from how to use `buzhi` when you decorate a room or set up a meeting venue, to how a teacher assigns homework. Discover its cultural context, practical examples, and common pitfalls to master its use in modern Chinese conversation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bùzhì
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To arrange, decorate, or assign things in an orderly and purposeful way.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `布置` as the act of thoughtfully putting things in order. It's more than just placing items randomly; it implies a plan or a goal. You can `布置` a room to make it beautiful (decorate), `布置` a conference hall to make it functional (arrange), or a teacher can `布置` homework as part of a structured lesson plan (assign). The core idea is a deliberate, organized distribution of things or tasks.

• 布 (bù): The original meaning is “cloth” or “fabric.” Imagine spreading a large piece of cloth over a table. This character lends the idea of “distributing,” “spreading out,” or “covering an area.”
• 置 (zhì): This character means “to place,” “to set,” or “to establish.” It's a more formal and intentional version of “to put” (放 fàng).
• Combined Meaning: When you combine “to spread out” (布) with “to place” (置), you get the vivid meaning of arranging things across a space in a planned, deliberate manner. It's about distributing and placing elements to achieve a specific layout or effect.

`布置` taps into a deep cultural appreciation for order, presentation, and preparation in China. A well-`布置`-ed space is not just tidy; it's a reflection of the host's care, thoughtfulness, and respect for their guests or the event's purpose. A useful Western comparison is the concept of “staging a home” for sale. When you stage a home, you don't just clean it. You carefully arrange furniture, add decor, and create a specific atmosphere to make a good impression. This is the essence of `布置`. Similarly, when a teacher `布置作业` (assigns homework), the term carries more weight than just “giving homework.” It implies the teacher has structured a formal task as part of a larger educational plan. This reflects the high value placed on education and the respected, authoritative role of teachers in Chinese society. A task that is `布置`-ed feels official and important.

`布置` is a common word used in several key contexts:

• Arranging Physical Spaces: This is the most frequent use. It's about setting up a room or venue for a specific purpose, often involving both function and aesthetics.
  • e.g., `布置会场` (bùzhì huìchǎng) - to set up a conference/meeting venue.
  • e.g., `布置新家` (bùzhì xīnjiā) - to decorate a new home.
• Assigning Tasks (Formal): This usage is almost always in a top-down context, like a boss to an employee or a teacher to a student. It implies a formal assignment.
  • e.g., `布置作业` (bùzhì zuòyè) - to assign homework.
  • e.g., `布置任务` (bùzhì rènwù) - to assign a task/mission.
• Strategic Deployment: In more formal or literary contexts, `布置` can mean to deploy or lay out a plan, like a general deploying troops or someone setting a trap.
  • e.g., `布置陷阱` (bùzhì xiànjǐng) - to set a trap.

The connotation is generally neutral, simply describing an action. However, a beautifully `布置`-ed room would be a positive compliment.

• Example 1:
  • 我们需要为圣诞节布置一下客厅。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào wèi Shèngdànjié bùzhì yíxià kètīng.
  • English: We need to decorate the living room for Christmas.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of `布置` meaning “to decorate.” The phrase `一下 (yíxià)` softens the tone, making it sound more casual, like “let's decorate a bit.”
• Example 2:
  • 老师今天布置的作业太多了！
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī jīntiān bùzhì de zuòyè tài duō le!
  • English: The homework the teacher assigned today is too much!
  • Analysis: Here, `布置` is used in its “assign” meaning. This is a very common phrase used by students across China. It's specific to a teacher assigning formal schoolwork.
• Example 3:
  • 工作人员正在布置婚礼现场。
  • Pinyin: Gōngzuò rényuán zhèngzài bùzhì hūnlǐ xiànchǎng.
  • English: The staff are setting up the wedding venue.
  • Analysis: This shows `布置` in the context of preparing a venue for an event. It includes arranging chairs, tables, decorations, flowers, etc. `现场 (xiànchǎng)` means “the scene” or “the site.”
• Example 4:
  • 经理给我们布置了一个新任务。
  • Pinyin: Jīnglǐ gěi wǒmen bùzhì le yí ge xīn rènwù.
  • English: The manager assigned us a new task.
  • Analysis: Similar to assigning homework, this shows the “assign” meaning in a professional, top-down context. Using `布置` here makes the task feel formal and official.
• Example 5:
  • 展览馆的布置很有艺术感。
  • Pinyin: Zhǎnlǎnguǎn de bùzhì hěn yǒu yìshù gǎn.
  • English: The layout of the exhibition hall is very artistic.
  • Analysis: In this sentence, `布置` is used as a noun, meaning “layout,” “arrangement,” or “decor.” It refers to the result of the action of arranging.
• Example 6:
  • 他们花了整个下午来布置派对的房间。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen huā le zhěnggè xiàwǔ lái bùzhì pàiduì de fángjiān.
  • English: They spent the whole afternoon decorating the room for the party.
  • Analysis: This emphasizes the time and effort that goes into the act of `布置`. It implies a thorough and thoughtful process.
• Example 7:
  • 警察怀疑凶手布置了犯罪现场来误导他们。
  • Pinyin: Jǐngchá huáiyí xiōngshǒu bùzhì le fànzuì xiànchǎng lái wùdǎo tāmen.
  • English: The police suspect the murderer arranged the crime scene to mislead them.
  • Analysis: This is a more advanced, figurative use. `布置` here means “to stage” or “to set up” a scene with a deceptive purpose.
• Example 8:
  • 这个房间布置得很温馨。
  • Pinyin: Zhège fángjiān bùzhì de hěn wēnxīn.
  • English: This room is arranged in a very warm and cozy way.
  • Analysis: This uses the `得 (de)` structure to describe the quality of the action. It's a common way to compliment someone's decorating or arrangement skills. `温馨 (wēnxīn)` means warm and pleasant.
• Example 9:
  • 在行动前，将军仔细地布置了兵力。
  • Pinyin: Zài xíngdòng qián, jiāngjūn zǐxì de bùzhì le bīnglì.
  • English: Before the operation, the general meticulously deployed his forces.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the strategic meaning of `布置`, equivalent to “deploy.” It's used in military, security, or strategic planning contexts.
• Example 10:
  • 你觉得我们应该怎么布置这个书架？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ juéde wǒmen yīnggāi zěnme bùzhì zhège shūjià?
  • English: How do you think we should arrange this bookshelf?
  • Analysis: A simple, practical question. This shows `布置` can be used for smaller-scale arrangement tasks, not just entire rooms. It's about arranging the items *on* the shelf.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `布置 (bùzhì)` and `安排 (ānpái)`.

• 布置 (bùzhì) - To Arrange/Set up (Things/Spaces) or Assign (Tasks): `布置` focuses on the physical layout of objects or the formal assignment of a specific task. It's about putting things in their proper places.
  • Correct: `布置`房间 (arrange the room), `布置`作业 (assign homework).
  • Incorrect: `布置`一个会议 (to arrange a meeting). You don't “physically arrange” a meeting itself.
• 安排 (ānpái) - To Arrange/Schedule (Time/Events/People): `安排` is much broader and deals with logistics, time, and people. It's about organizing schedules and resources.
  • Correct: `安排`一个会议 (to arrange/schedule a meeting), `安排`时间 (to arrange a time), `安排`他去机场 (arrange for him to go to the airport).
  • Incorrect: `安排`作业 (to schedule homework). While a teacher might schedule time *for* homework, the act of *assigning* it is `布置`.

Rule of Thumb: If you are talking about setting up a physical space or a superior is formally assigning a concrete task, use `布置`. If you are talking about scheduling time, people, or abstract events, use `安排`. Example: You 安排 a party for Friday night (scheduling), and then you 布置 the room for the party (decorating).

• 安排 (ānpái) - To arrange schedules, logistics, or people. The most important related term to contrast with `布置`.
• 装饰 (zhuāngshì) - To decorate. More focused on aesthetics and ornamentation than `布置`, which also includes functional arrangement.
• 整理 (zhěnglǐ) - To tidy up, to organize (e.g., a messy desk). It's about putting existing things in order, while `布置` can involve bringing in new things to create a layout.
• 设置 (shèzhì) - To set up, establish, or install. Often used for equipment, software, or systems (e.g., `设置` an alarm, `设置` a password).
• 摆设 (bǎishè) - Can be a verb meaning “to arrange/display,” but more commonly a noun meaning “furnishings” or “decorative items.” The things you use for `布置`.
• 陈列 (chénliè) - To display or exhibit. Used for goods in a store or items in a museum. It's a specific type of `布置`.
• 任务 (rènwù) - A task or mission. This is an object that is often `布置`-ed by a superior.
• 作业 (zuòyè) - Homework. The most common thing that is `布置`-ed in an educational context.