shèbèi: 设备 - Equipment, Device, Facility

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• Summary: Discover the meaning of 设备 (shèbèi), a fundamental Chinese noun for “equipment,” “device,” or “facility.” This comprehensive guide explores its definition, character origins, and practical use in modern China, from IT hardware to industrial machinery. Learn the crucial differences between 设备 (shèbèi), 设施 (shèshī), and 仪器 (yíqì) through clear explanations and 10 practical example sentences, empowering you to discuss technology and tools like a native speaker.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shèbèi
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: Equipment, devices, installations, or facilities.
• In a Nutshell: 设备 (shèbèi) is a versatile, general-purpose word for any physical item—from a small gadget to a large machine—that is installed or prepared to perform a specific function. It's the go-to term for “equipment” in most contexts, covering technology, industry, and daily life.

• 设 (shè): This character means “to set up,” “to establish,” or “to arrange.” It's composed of the “speech” radical 讠(yán) and 殳 (shū), an ancient character for a tool or weapon. Think of it as using words or a plan (讠) to set up a tool or system (殳).
• 备 (bèi): This character means “to prepare,” “to get ready,” or “to be equipped.” It suggests having all necessary things available and in order.
• When combined, 设备 (shèbèi) literally translates to “things that are set up and prepared,” which perfectly captures the modern meaning of “equipment.”

While 设备 (shèbèi) is a practical term rather than a deeply philosophical one, its frequent use is a direct reflection of modern China's identity. The nation's rapid development, focus on technological innovation (e.g., 5G, AI), and massive infrastructure projects mean that 设备 (shèbèi) is a constant topic in news, business, and even daily conversation. In the West, the word “equipment” can sometimes feel strictly industrial or professional. In contrast, 设备 (shèbèi) is used more broadly and comfortably in everyday life. A Chinese person might refer to their new smartphone, router, and smart speaker collectively as their new 设备 (shèbèi), whereas an English speaker might be more likely to say “gadgets” or “devices.” This highlights a subtle cultural focus on the functionality and preparedness of items, tying back to the character meanings. The term embodies the spirit of building, modernizing, and “equipping” the nation for the future.

设备 (shèbèi) is a neutral, standard term used across all levels of formality.

• Technology and IT: It's the standard word for hardware.
  • 电脑设备 (diànnǎo shèbèi) - computer equipment
  • 网络设备 (wǎngluò shèbèi) - network equipment (e.g., routers, switches)
• Industrial and Commercial: Used for machinery and professional tools.
  • 生产设备 (shēngchǎn shèbèi) - production equipment
  • 医疗设备 (yīliáo shèbèi) - medical equipment
• Public and Recreational: Refers to items installed for public use.
  • 健身设备 (jiànshēn shèbèi) - fitness equipment
  • 游乐设备 (yóulè shèbèi) - amusement/playground equipment
• Home and Consumer: Used for various household devices.
  • 智能家居设备 (zhìnéng jiājū shèbèi) - smart home devices

• Example 1:
  • 我们公司需要采购一批新的办公设备。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī xūyào cǎigòu yī pī xīn de bàngōng shèbèi.
  • English: Our company needs to purchase a batch of new office equipment.
  • Analysis: A common and standard sentence in a business context. 设备 here refers to items like computers, printers, and copiers.
• Example 2:
  • 这家医院的医疗设备非常先进。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā yīyuàn de yīliáo shèbèi fēicháng xiānjìn.
  • English: This hospital's medical equipment is very advanced.
  • Analysis: Here, 设备 refers to specialized machinery like MRI scanners, X-ray machines, etc.
• Example 3:
  • 安装新设备前，请仔细阅读说明书。
  • Pinyin: Ānzhuāng xīn shèbèi qián, qǐng zǐxì yuèdú shuōmíngshū.
  • English: Before installing the new equipment, please read the instruction manual carefully.
  • Analysis: This shows 设备 used as a general term for a singular piece of equipment.
• Example 4:
  • 健身房里所有的健身设备都维护得很好。
  • Pinyin: Jiànshēnfáng lǐ suǒyǒu de jiànshēn shèbèi dōu wéihù de hěn hǎo.
  • English: All the fitness equipment in the gym is well-maintained.
  • Analysis: 健身设备 is a fixed collocation for gym equipment.
• Example 5:
  • 这个设备的功耗很低，非常省电。
  • Pinyin: Zhège shèbèi de gōnghào hěn dī, fēicháng shěngdiàn.
  • English: This device's power consumption is very low; it's very energy-efficient.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates how 设备 can refer to a single, smaller electronic device.
• Example 6:
  • 工厂因为设备老化，生产效率不高。
  • Pinyin: Gōngchǎng yīnwèi shèbèi lǎohuà, shēngchǎn xiàolǜ bù gāo.
  • English: The factory's production efficiency is not high due to aging equipment.
  • Analysis: A typical example from an industrial or economic context.
• Example 7:
  • 你熟悉如何操作这台设备吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ shúxī rúhé cāozuò zhè tái shèbèi ma?
  • English: Are you familiar with how to operate this piece of equipment?
  • Analysis: Note the measure word for larger machines, `台 (tái)`, is used here with 设备.
• Example 8:
  • 消防员需要专业的救援设备。
  • Pinyin: Xiāofángyuán xūyào zhuānyè de jiùyuán shèbèi.
  • English: Firefighters need professional rescue equipment.
  • Analysis: Shows 设备 used for specialized gear for a profession.
• Example 9:
  • 公园里的儿童游乐设备定期接受安全检查。
  • Pinyin: Gōngyuán lǐ de értóng yóulè shèbèi dìngqī jiēshòu ānquán jiǎnchá.
  • English: The children's play equipment in the park undergoes regular safety inspections.
  • Analysis: 游乐设备 is the standard term for playground or amusement park equipment.
• Example 10:
  • 我的新手机可以控制家里所有的智能设备。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de xīn shǒujī kěyǐ kòngzhì jiālǐ suǒyǒu de zhìnéng shèbèi.
  • English: My new phone can control all the smart devices in my home.
  • Analysis: A very modern usage, showing how 设备 has adapted to the Internet of Things (IoT) era.

The most common mistake for learners is confusing 设备 (shèbèi) with similar-sounding words. Understanding the distinctions is key to using it correctly.

• 设备 (shèbèi) vs. 设施 (shèshī) - Equipment vs. Facility
  • 设备 refers to individual, often movable machines or devices. Think of the items within a place.
  • 设施 (shèshī) refers to larger, fixed installations or infrastructure that provide a service. Think of the place itself or its large-scale features.
  • Incorrect: `这个体育馆是一个很好的设备。` (This stadium is a great piece of equipment.)
  • Correct: `这个体育馆是一个很好的设施 (shèshī)，里面的健身设备 (shèbèi) 很新。` (This stadium is a great facility, and the fitness equipment inside is very new.)
• 设备 (shèbèi) vs. 仪器 (yíqì) - Equipment vs. Instrument
  • 设备 is a broad, general term.
  • 仪器 (yíqì) is more specific, referring to instruments for precise measurement, testing, or scientific analysis (e.g., microscope, voltmeter, telescope).
  • Rule of thumb: All `仪器` are a type of `设备`, but not all `设备` are `仪器`. A factory crane is `设备`, but not `仪器`.
  • Incorrect: `我需要一个设备来测量温度。` (While not grammatically wrong, it's imprecise.)
  • Correct/More precise: `我需要一个仪器 (yíqì) 来测量温度。` (I need an instrument to measure the temperature.)

• 设施 (shèshī) - Facilities, installations. A broader term than `设备` that includes buildings and infrastructure.
• 仪器 (yíqì) - Instrument, apparatus. A more specific type of `设备` for precision tasks.
• 器材 (qìcái) - Gear, kit. Equipment for a specific hobby or activity, like `摄影器材` (photography gear).
• 工具 (gōngjù) - Tool. Generally refers to simpler, often hand-held items like a hammer or wrench.
• 机器 (jīqì) - Machine. Emphasizes a mechanical or automated object that performs work.
• 装置 (zhuāngzhì) - Device, apparatus, unit. A slightly more technical term for a specific assembled unit.
• 硬件 (yìngjiàn) - Hardware. The physical components of a computer system; a specific sub-category of `设备`.
• 安装 (ānzhuāng) - (Verb) To install. The action of setting up `设备`.
• 维修 (wéixiū) - (Verb) To repair, to maintain. The action of fixing or servicing `设备`.
• 操作 (cāozuò) - (Verb) To operate, to manipulate. The action of using `设备`.