pèizhì: 配置 - Configuration, Setup, Specs

• Keywords: pèizhì, 配置, Chinese for configuration, what does peizhi mean, computer specs in Chinese, to configure in Chinese, setup, allocation, settings vs configuration in Chinese.
• Summary: Discover the essential Chinese term 配置 (pèizhì), a versatile word that means both “configuration” and “to configure.” Whether you're discussing the specs of a new phone, changing the setup of a software application, or talking about resource allocation in a business context, `pèizhì` is the word you need. This guide will break down its meaning, show you how to use it in everyday tech and business conversations, and clarify how it differs from similar words like `设置 (shèzhì)`.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): pèizhì
• Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To configure, set up, or allocate; (noun) a configuration, setup, or specification.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `配置` as a word for both the blueprint and the act of building. As a noun, it's the list of components that make up a system—like the RAM, CPU, and screen size of a computer (its “specs”). As a verb, it's the action of arranging those components or settings to make the system work correctly. It’s about the fundamental structure and makeup of something.

• 配 (pèi): This character means “to match,” “to pair,” or “to fit.” Imagine pairing socks, matching colors, or finding parts that fit together perfectly. It implies a sense of suitability and combination.
• 置 (zhì): This character means “to place,” “to set up,” or “to establish.” It suggests the action of putting something in a specific location or position.
• Together, 配置 (pèizhì) literally translates to “matching and placing.” This beautifully captures the idea of selecting appropriate components (matching) and arranging them into a functional system (placing).

While not a deeply ancient cultural term like 关系 (guānxi), 配置 (pèizhì) is incredibly significant in modern China. Its prevalence reflects the country's rapid technological advancement and integration into the global economy. In daily life, conversations about technology—from smartphones to electric vehicles—are peppered with this word. A useful comparison is with the English words “configuration” and “specs” (specifications).

• Like “specs,” `配置` (as a noun) is used to describe the hardware features of a product: “What's the configuration of this laptop?” (这款笔记本电脑的配置怎么样？)
• Like “configuration,” `配置` (as a verb or noun) refers to the arrangement of settings or parts: “I need to change the software configuration.” (我需要更改软件配置。)

However, 配置 has a broader scope than its English counterparts. In a formal or business context, it also means “to allocate” resources or personnel. For example, a manager might discuss 人员配置 (rényuán pèizhì - personnel allocation/staffing) or 资源配置 (zīyuán pèizhì - resource allocation). This usage is less common in everyday English “configuration” and closer to “deployment” or “allocation,” highlighting the word's versatility in Chinese from the tech store to the boardroom.

This is where you'll hear `配置` most often. It's used constantly when buying, comparing, or troubleshooting electronics.

• As a Noun (“Specs”): When you ask a salesperson about a computer, you're asking about its `配置`.
• High-spec vs. Low-spec: Chinese netizens and shoppers use the shorthand 高配 (gāopèi) for “high configuration” (high-spec) and 低配 (dīpèi) for “low configuration” (low-spec or base model).
• As a Verb (“To Configure”): When you set up a new router or change advanced settings in an application, you are `配置` it.

In a professional setting, `配置` takes on the meaning of strategic allocation.

• Resource Allocation: A company must `配置` its funds and equipment effectively.
• Staffing: A project manager is responsible for the team's 人员配置 (personnel configuration/staffing). This is about putting the right people in the right roles.

• Example 1:
  • 这台电脑的配置很高，玩游戏肯定没问题。
  • Pinyin: Zhè tái diànnǎo de pèizhì hěn gāo, wán yóuxì kěndìng méi wèntí.
  • English: This computer's specs are very high; it will definitely have no problem running games.
  • Analysis: Here, `配置` is a noun meaning “specifications” or “configuration.” This is a very common usage when shopping for electronics.
• Example 2:
  • 你能帮我配置一下新的无线路由器吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ pèizhì yíxià xīn de wúxiàn lùyóuqì ma?
  • English: Can you help me configure the new wireless router?
  • Analysis: Here, `配置` is a verb meaning “to configure” or “to set up.” The `一下 (yíxià)` softens the request, making it more casual.
• Example 3:
  • 我买的是低配版的汽车，所以没有天窗。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ mǎi de shì dīpèi bǎn de qìchē, suǒyǐ méiyǒu tiānchuāng.
  • English: I bought the low-spec version of the car, so it doesn't have a sunroof.
  • Analysis: This example uses the common abbreviation `低配 (dīpèi)`, short for `低配置`. It refers to the “base model” or a version with fewer features.
• Example 4:
  • 软件的默认配置通常能满足大部分用户的需求。
  • Pinyin: Ruǎnjiàn de mòrèn pèizhì tōngcháng néng mǎnzú dàbùfèn yònghù de xūqiú.
  • English: The software's default configuration can usually meet the needs of most users.
  • Analysis: `配置` is used as a noun to mean “configuration” or “setup.” `默认 (mòrèn)` means “default.”
• Example 5:
  • 作为项目经理，他需要合理配置团队资源。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi xiàngmù jīnglǐ, tā xūyào hélǐ pèizhì tuánduì zīyuán.
  • English: As a project manager, he needs to rationally allocate the team's resources.
  • Analysis: This shows the formal, business usage of `配置` as a verb meaning “to allocate.”
• Example 6:
  • 这两款手机的配置差不多，但是价格差很多。
  • Pinyin: Zhè liǎng kuǎn shǒujī de pèizhì chàbuduō, dànshì jiàgé chà hěn duō.
  • English: The specs of these two phones are about the same, but their prices are very different.
  • Analysis: A classic consumer scenario. `配置` (noun) is used to compare the features of two products.
• Example 7:
  • 如果系统不稳定，你可能需要重新配置一下。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ xìtǒng bù wěndìng, nǐ kěnéng xūyào chóngxīn pèizhì yíxià.
  • English: If the system is unstable, you might need to reconfigure it.
  • Analysis: `配置` is a verb here. `重新 (chóngxīn)` means “again,” so `重新配置` means “to reconfigure.”
• Example 8:
  • 服务器的环境配置非常复杂。
  • Pinyin: Fúwùqì de huánjìng pèizhì fēicháng fùzá.
  • English: The server's environment configuration is very complex.
  • Analysis: A technical use of `配置` (noun) in the context of IT and server management.
• Example 9:
  • 公司正在优化其全球供应链的配置。
  • Pinyin: Gōngsī zhèngzài yōuhuà qí quánqiú gōngyìngliàn de pèizhì.
  • English: The company is optimizing the configuration of its global supply chain.
  • Analysis: This is a high-level, strategic use of `配置` (noun), referring to the structure and arrangement of a complex system.
• Example 10:
  • 这个岗位的配置要求至少有三名工程师。
  • Pinyin: Zhège gǎngwèi de pèizhì yāoqiú zhìshǎo yǒu sānmíng gōngchéngshī.
  • English: The staffing configuration for this position requires at least three engineers.
  • Analysis: Another formal example, where `配置` (noun) refers to the required staffing or personnel setup for a role.

The biggest point of confusion for learners is distinguishing 配置 (pèizhì) from 设置 (shèzhì).

• 配置 (pèizhì): Refers to the fundamental structure, components, or specifications of a system. It's about the core makeup. Think of it as the hardware and foundational software setup. Changes to `配置` are often major and done infrequently.
  • Correct: 电脑配置 (diànnǎo pèizhì) - Computer specs (RAM, CPU).
  • Correct: 配置服务器 (pèizhì fúwùqì) - To configure a server.
  • Incorrect: 我要配置一下手机音量。(Wǒ yào pèizhì yíxià shǒujī yīnliàng.) Wrong word for a simple adjustment. * 设置 (shèzhì): Refers to adjustable options or settings within an already configured system. It's about tweaking user preferences. Changes to `设置` are minor and done frequently. * Correct: 手机设置 (shǒujī shèzhì) - Phone settings (wallpaper, ringtone, brightness). * Correct: 设置闹钟 (shèzhì nàozhōng) - To set an alarm clock. * Correct: 我要设置一下手机音量。(Wǒ yào shèzhì yíxià shǒujī yīnliàng.) Correct, this is a simple setting.

Analogy: Think of a car. Its `配置` is the engine type, transmission (automatic/manual), and whether it has leather seats—things decided at the factory. Its `设置` are the things you adjust yourself, like the mirror position, radio station, and air conditioning temperature.

• 设置 (shèzhì) - Settings; to set. Refers to adjustable options within a system, whereas `配置` is the system's fundamental makeup.
• 安装 (ānzhuāng) - To install. The action of putting software or hardware onto a system before you can `配置` it.
• 系统 (xìtǒng) - System. The overall environment (e.g., operating system) that you configure (`配置`).
• 规格 (guīgé) - Specifications; standards. More technical and formal than `配置`. Often refers to specific measurements or industry standards.
• 高配 (gāopèi) - High-spec; top configuration. A colloquial abbreviation of `高配置`.
• 低配 (dīpèi) - Low-spec; basic configuration. A colloquial abbreviation of `低配置`.
• 分配 (fēnpèi) - To distribute; to assign. Usually for divisible things like tasks, money, or food. `配置` is for integrating parts into a system.
• 部署 (bùshǔ) - To deploy. Often used for strategic placement of resources, software, or personnel. Overlaps with the formal meaning of `配置` but has a more military/strategic feel.