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B1 noun #1,500 most common 9 min read

设备

shebei Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 设备 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 设备 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '设备' (shèbèi) very often, but you might see it on signs or in simple tech contexts. Think of it as a big word for 'machines' or 'stuff' like computers and printers in an office. You might hear someone say '电子设备' (diànzǐ shèbèi) to mean 'electronic devices' like phones and tablets. At this stage, just remember that it refers to 'useful machines.' You can think of it as a category name. If you see a sign that says '设备正在维修' (shèbèi zhèngzài wéixiū), it just means 'The machine is being fixed.' It's a formal way to talk about the things we use to work or play.

At the A2 level, you start to use '设备' in more specific contexts, like describing your workplace or school. You might learn phrases like '办公设备' (bàngōng shèbèi - office equipment) or '教学设备' (jiàoxué shèbèi - teaching equipment). You can use it to talk about the things in a room that help people do their jobs. For example, '我们学校的教学设备很先进' (Our school's teaching equipment is very advanced). You should also start to notice that we use the measure word '台' (tái) for individual pieces of equipment, like '一台设备'. It's more formal than just saying '东西' (dōngxi - things).

At the B1 level, '设备' becomes a key vocabulary word for professional and technical discussions. You should be able to use it to describe various types of equipment: '生产设备' (production equipment), '医疗设备' (medical equipment), or '健身设备' (gym equipment). You will also learn verbs that go with it, such as '安装' (ānzhuāng - install), '维修' (wéixiū - repair), and '更新' (gēngxīn - upgrade). You can now explain processes, like '工人正在安装新的生产设备' (Workers are installing new production equipment). You should also understand the difference between '设备' and '设施' (facilities).

At the B2 level, you use '设备' in more complex sentences and abstract contexts. You might discuss '设备投资' (investment in equipment) or '设备折旧' (equipment depreciation) in a business context. You should be comfortable using it in formal writing and reports. For example, '为了提高竞争力，公司决定投入大量资金进行设备更新' (To improve competitiveness, the company decided to invest a large amount of capital in equipment upgrades). You also understand technical terms like '精密设备' (precision equipment) and '自动化设备' (automated equipment). Your usage should be precise, distinguishing it from '装备' or '器械'.

At the C1 level, '设备' is used with high precision in academic, legal, or highly technical discourse. You might encounter it in discussions about '特种设备安全法' (Special Equipment Safety Law) or in scientific papers describing complex '实验设备' (experimental apparatus). You can use it metaphorically or in very specific professional niches, such as '心理设备' (mental apparatus - though less common than in English) or '网络设备' (network equipment) in IT infrastructure. You are expected to use sophisticated collocations like '设备调试与运行' (equipment debugging and operation) and discuss the socio-economic impact of '设备国产化' (localization of equipment manufacturing).

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '设备'. You understand its nuances in every possible context, from industrial policy to philosophical texts. You can discuss the nuances between '设备', '装备', '设施', and '装置' with ease. You might use it in high-level policy discussions about '重大技术装备' (major technical equipment) or '高端医疗设备研发' (R&D of high-end medical equipment). You can also appreciate its use in literature or formal speeches where it might represent the 'machinery' of a system or organization. Your usage is flawless, including the correct use of all related measure words and formal verbal pairings.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

设备 in 30 Seconds

设备 (shèbèi) means equipment or machinery used for a specific purpose, such as in an office, factory, or gym.
It is a formal noun, more technical than '工具' (tool) and more specific to machines than '设施' (facility).
Common measure words include '台' (tái) for single machines and '套' (tào) for complete sets of equipment.
Essential for professional contexts, it covers everything from medical devices to industrial production lines.

The Chinese term 设备 (shèbèi) is a comprehensive noun that translates most directly to 'equipment,' 'facilities,' or 'apparatus.' At its core, it refers to the physical tools, machinery, or systems required to perform a specific task or maintain a particular environment. Whether you are talking about the high-tech machinery in a semiconductor factory or the simple weight-lifting machines in a local gym, 设备 is the go-to word. It is composed of two characters: 设 (shè), meaning to set up, establish, or design, and 备 (bèi), meaning to prepare or provide. Together, they describe things that are 'set up and prepared' for use.

Etymological Nuance: The character 设 implies a level of intentionality and configuration. You don't just have objects; you have a system that has been 'designed' (设计) for a purpose. The character 备 emphasizes readiness. Thus, 设备 isn't just a pile of tools; it is a functional set of assets ready for operation.
Broad Application: In modern Mandarin, this word covers everything from 'office equipment' (办公设备) like printers and scanners to 'medical equipment' (医疗设备) like MRI machines. It can even refer to the 'hardware' aspect of technology in certain contexts, though '硬件' is more specific for computers.

工厂引进了最先进的生产设备以提高效率。
— The factory introduced the most advanced production equipment to improve efficiency.

Understanding the scope of 设备 requires looking at its synonyms. While 设施 (shèshī) refers more to 'facilities' or 'infrastructure' (like buildings, roads, or large-scale installations), 设备 is more about the movable or specific machines within those facilities. For example, a hospital is a 设施, but the X-ray machine inside it is 设备. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners who are moving beyond general vocabulary into more precise professional and academic language.

由于设备老化，实验室不得不暂停研究。
— Due to aging equipment, the laboratory had to suspend its research.

In academic contexts, 设备 often appears in the 'Materials and Methods' section of a research paper. It describes the apparatus used to conduct experiments. Here, it is often paired with adjectives like '精密' (jīngmì - precision) or '自动化' (zìdònghuà - automated). For a student, mastering this word means being able to describe their work environment, their tools of the trade, and the technological requirements of their projects.

Common Collocations: 安装设备 (Install equipment), 维修设备 (Repair equipment), 调试设备 (Debug/Adjust equipment), 进口设备 (Imported equipment).

Using 设备 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs and measure words that accompany it. Unlike English, where 'equipment' is often uncountable, in Chinese, you can quantify 设备 using specific classifiers depending on what the equipment is. For large machines or electronic devices, 台 (tái) is the standard measure word. For a complete set of tools or a system, 套 (tào) is used.

Quantifying Equipment

一台设备 (One piece of equipment/machine)
一套完整的实验设备 (A complete set of experimental equipment)
各种各样的设备 (All kinds of equipment)

我们需要购买几台新的办公设备，比如打印机和投影仪。
— We need to buy several new pieces of office equipment, such as printers and projectors.

When describing the state or action performed on equipment, certain verbs are highly idiomatic. If you are setting it up for the first time, use 安装 (ānzhuāng). If you are making sure it works correctly, use 调试 (tiáoshì). For regular maintenance, use 维护 (wéihù) or 保养 (bǎoyǎng). If it breaks down, the verb is 维修 (wéixiū).

In terms of sentence structure, 设备 often acts as the object of a sentence, but it can also be the subject when describing its features. For example, '这台设备非常先进' (This equipment is very advanced). It can also be used as a modifier for other nouns, such as '设备故障' (equipment failure) or '设备投资' (investment in equipment).

Verb Pairings

更新设备 (To upgrade/renew equipment)
操作设备 (To operate equipment)
检查设备 (To inspect equipment)

操作这些高精密设备需要经过专门的培训。
— Operating these high-precision pieces of equipment requires specialized training.

Finally, consider the environment. 设备 is rarely used for personal items like a toothbrush or a spoon. It implies a certain level of complexity or professional utility. You wouldn't call a kitchen knife '设备', but you might call a commercial-grade industrial oven '厨房设备'. This distinction helps maintain the correct 'register' or level of formality in your speech.

You will encounter the word 设备 in a variety of professional, industrial, and daily life settings. Its frequency is high in any context involving technology, labor, or infrastructure. Understanding where you hear it helps you grasp the 'vibe' of the word—which is generally professional, technical, and practical.

1. In the Workplace: This is the most common place. Managers might talk about '设备采购' (purchasing equipment) or '设备维护' (maintaining equipment). If a printer breaks, the IT department might say '办公设备出了点问题' (There's a problem with the office equipment).
2. In News and Economics: Reports on manufacturing often mention '大型设备' (large-scale equipment) or '进口设备' (imported equipment). You might hear about '设备制造业' (equipment manufacturing industry), which is a major pillar of the Chinese economy.

由于技术原因，这批设备无法正常运行。
— Due to technical reasons, this batch of equipment cannot operate normally.

You will also hear it in public service announcements or instructional contexts. For example, at a gym, the trainer might explain how to use the '健身设备' (fitness equipment). In a hospital, doctors discuss '医疗设备' (medical equipment). Even in your own home, if you have a smart home setup, you might refer to the various hubs and sensors as '智能设备' (smart devices/equipment).

请不要随意触摸实验室内的精密设备。
— Please do not touch the precision equipment in the laboratory at will.

In the digital age, 设备 has taken on a new frequent usage: '登录设备' (login device). When you log into an app like WeChat or Alipay, the system might notify you that you are logging in from a '新设备' (new device). This is perhaps the most common way young people interact with the word daily.

3. Academic and Scientific Research: In science documentaries or university lectures, professors will describe '实验设备' (experimental equipment) or '观测设备' (observation equipment like telescopes). The focus here is on the precision and capability of the tools.

While 设备 is a versatile word, learners often confuse it with similar terms or use it in contexts where a more specific word is required. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound much more natural and professional.

1. 设备 vs. 设施 (shèshī): This is the most common error. 设施 refers to 'facilities' or 'infrastructure'—large, often immovable things like buildings, swimming pools, or power grids. 设备 refers to the 'equipment' or 'machines' inside those facilities. You can't call a highway a '设备', it's a '设施'. You can't call a single printer a '设施', it's a '设备'.
2. 设备 vs. 工具 (gōngjù): 工具 means 'tool'. It usually refers to simple, hand-held items like a hammer, a screwdriver, or even a software tool. 设备 implies something more complex, usually mechanical or electronic. You use a hammer (工具) to fix a machine (设备).

我买了一个新的设备手机。 (Incorrect)
我买了一部新手机。 (Correct)
— Don't use '设备' as an adjective for specific items. Use the specific noun instead.

Another mistake is using the wrong measure word. Learners often default to '个' (gè). While '个' is technically understood, using 台 (tái) for machines or 套 (tào) for sets shows a much higher level of proficiency. For example, '一套音响设备' (a set of audio equipment) sounds much better than '一个音响设备'.

这里的公共设施很完善，但健身设备有点旧。
— The public facilities here are perfect, but the gym equipment is a bit old. (Correct use of both words).

Finally, be careful with the word 装备 (zhuāngbèi). This also means 'equipment,' but it is specifically used for 'gear' or 'outfit,' such as military gear, sports gear, or gaming equipment (armor/weapons). If you are talking about a factory machine, 设备 is correct; if you are talking about a hiker's backpack and boots, 装备 is better.

To truly master 设备, you must understand its relationship with its 'cousins' in the Chinese language. These words all overlap in meaning but have distinct nuances and contexts.

1. 设施 (shèshī) - Facilities / Infrastructure: Focuses on large-scale, permanent installations. Think 'public facilities' (公共设施) like parks, toilets, and transport systems.
Comparison: 设施 is the 'place/system,' 设备 is the 'machine' within it.
2. 装备 (zhuāngbèi) - Gear / Equipment (Personal/Military): Focuses on things you 'wear' or 'carry' to perform a task. Common in military, sports, and video games.
Comparison: A soldier has 装备 (gear); a factory has 设备 (machinery).
3. 器械 (qìxiè) - Apparatus / Instrument: Often refers to specialized, often mechanical, tools used in medicine or sports.
Comparison: 医疗器械 (medical instruments) is more specific than 医疗设备 (medical equipment), though they are often used interchangeably.
4. 工具 (gōngjù) - Tool: The most general term for anything used to do a job. Can be physical (hammer) or abstract (language).
Comparison: 设备 is usually a complex machine; 工具 is usually a simple implement.

登山者需要准备好所有的装备，而救援队则带来了专业的搜救设备。
— Mountaineers need to prepare all their gear (装备), while the rescue team brought professional search and rescue equipment (设备).

In summary, choose 设备 when you are talking about machines, technical systems, or professional hardware. It is the most 'industrial' and 'technological' of the group. If you are talking about the environment or infrastructure, use 设施. If you are talking about what someone is wearing or carrying for a specific activity, use 装备.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Measure word usage

Noun-modifier structures

The '是...的' structure for origin (e.g., 进口的)

Examples by Level

这是我的电子设备。

This is my electronic device.

Simple possessive structure.

办公室里有很多设备。

There is a lot of equipment in the office.

Using '很多' to quantify.

这个设备很贵。

This equipment is very expensive.

Subject + Adjective structure.

你会用这个设备吗？

Do you know how to use this equipment?

Using '会' for skill/knowledge.

请不要碰这些设备。

Please do not touch these pieces of equipment.

Polite command with '请不要'.

新设备在那儿。

The new equipment is over there.

Indicating location with '在那儿'.

我喜欢这个新设备。

I like this new device.

Simple S-V-O structure.

这是什么设备？

What equipment is this?

Question with '什么'.

我们需要买一些办公设备。

We need to buy some office equipment.

Using '一些' for 'some'.

这台设备坏了，不能用。

This piece of equipment is broken and cannot be used.

Using the measure word '台'.

老师在用教学设备。

The teacher is using the teaching equipment.

Present continuous with '在'.

工厂里有很多大设备。

There are many large pieces of equipment in the factory.

Adjective '大' modifying '设备'.

这里的健身设备很全。

The gym equipment here is very complete.

Adjective '全' meaning complete/comprehensive.

请看设备说明书。

Please look at the equipment manual.

Compound noun '设备说明书'.

这台设备怎么开？

How do you turn on this equipment?

Question with '怎么' + verb.

我们要保护好实验设备。

We need to take good care of the experimental equipment.

Using '保护好' for 'take good care of'.

公司正在安装新的生产设备。

The company is currently installing new production equipment.

Using '正在' for ongoing action.

这些医疗设备非常先进。

These medical devices are very advanced.

Adjective '先进' (advanced).

我们需要定期检查这些设备。

We need to inspect these pieces of equipment regularly.

Adverb '定期' (regularly).

由于设备故障，生产停止了。

Due to equipment failure, production has stopped.

Using '由于' (due to) to show cause.

这套音响设备的效果很好。

The effect of this set of audio equipment is very good.

Measure word '套' for a set.

维修设备需要多长时间？

How long does it take to repair the equipment?

Question about duration.

我们要学习如何操作这些设备。

We need to learn how to operate these pieces of equipment.

Using '如何' (how to).

这台设备是进口的。

This equipment is imported.

The '是...的' structure for emphasis.

设备更新是提高效率的关键。

Equipment renewal is the key to improving efficiency.

Abstract noun usage.

这些精密设备对环境要求很高。

These precision instruments have high environmental requirements.

Collocation '精密设备'.

我们需要对旧设备进行技术改造。

We need to carry out technical transformation on the old equipment.

Using '对...进行' for formal actions.

设备折旧费已经计算在内了。

The equipment depreciation cost has already been calculated.

Business term '设备折旧'.

该厂拥有世界一流的生产设备。

The factory possesses world-class production equipment.

Formal verb '拥有' (possess).

为了安全，必须穿戴防护设备。

For safety, protective equipment must be worn.

Using '穿戴' for wearing gear.

这些设备已经达到了使用年限。

These pieces of equipment have reached their service life.

Formal phrase '达到使用年限'.

设备调试过程比预想的要复杂。

The equipment debugging process is more complex than expected.

Comparison with '比...要'.

该实验室配备了最尖端的科研设备。

The laboratory is equipped with the most cutting-edge scientific research equipment.

Formal verb '配备' (to equip/be equipped with).

设备国产化是国家战略的重要组成部分。

Localization of equipment is an important part of the national strategy.

Political/Economic terminology.

这些设备在极端环境下仍能稳定运行。

These pieces of equipment can still operate stably in extreme environments.

Using '仍能' (still can).

我们需要评估设备更新带来的经济效益。

We need to evaluate the economic benefits brought by equipment upgrades.

Complex noun phrase '带来的经济效益'.

特种设备的安全监管不容忽视。

The safety supervision of special equipment cannot be ignored.

Formal phrase '不容忽视'.

该项技术打破了国外对高端设备的垄断。

This technology broke the foreign monopoly on high-end equipment.

Idiomatic '打破...垄断'.

设备租赁已成为中小企业的一种选择。

Equipment leasing has become an option for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Business term '设备租赁'.

我们要确保设备参数符合国际标准。

We must ensure that the equipment parameters meet international standards.

Technical term '设备参数'.

这台设备的精密程度令人叹为观止。

The precision of this equipment is breathtaking.

Idiom '令人叹为观止'.

设备的高昂维护成本成为企业的沉重负担。

The high maintenance cost of the equipment has become a heavy burden for the enterprise.

Sophisticated sentence structure.

在工业4.0时代，设备间的互联互通至关重要。

In the era of Industry 4.0, the interconnection between equipment is crucial.

Term '互联互通' (interconnectivity).

该项目的核心在于核心设备的自主研发。

The core of the project lies in the independent R&D of key equipment.

Double use of '核心' for emphasis.

由于设备陈旧，该厂在竞争中处于劣势。

Due to obsolete equipment, the factory is at a disadvantage in the competition.

Formal adjective '陈旧' (obsolete).

我们要对设备的全生命周期进行管理。

We need to manage the full life cycle of the equipment.

Management term '全生命周期'.

这些设备是该科研项目得以顺利进行的物质基础。

These pieces of equipment are the material foundation for the smooth progress of the research project.

Philosophical/Formal '物质基础'.

设备性能的微小差异可能导致实验结果的巨大偏差。

Minor differences in equipment performance can lead to huge deviations in experimental results.

Contrast between '微小' and '巨大'.

Synonyms

器材装置仪器工具

Common Collocations

安装设备

维修设备

调试设备

更新设备

进口设备

精密设备

办公设备

生产设备

医疗设备

电子设备

Common Phrases

设备故障

设备维护

设备清单

设备运行

设备管理

设备投资

设备更新

成套设备

特种设备

智能设备

Often Confused With

设备 vs 设施 (shèshī)

设备 vs 装备 (zhuāngbèi)

设备 vs 工具 (gōngjù)

Idioms & Expressions

"工欲善其事，必先利其器 (To do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools - often applied to equipment)"

"应有尽有 (To have everything one could want - often used to describe well-equipped places)"

"焕然一新 (To take on an entirely new look - often used after equipment upgrades)"

"精益求精 (To keep improving - often applied to equipment precision)"

Easily Confused

设备 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

设计 (design)

建设 (construct)

准备 (prepare)

备份 (backup)

How to Use It

abstract use

Rarely used for abstract concepts, unlike 'tools' in English.

collective noun

Can refer to a single machine or a group of machines.

Common Mistakes

Using 设备 for simple tools like a pen or spoon.
Confusing 设备 (machines) with 设施 (buildings/infrastructure).
Using the measure word '把' (for tools with handles) instead of '台'.
Using 设备 to refer to software programs.
Forgetting the 4th tones, making it sound like 'shé bēi' or something else.

Tips

Learn in pairs

Always learn '设备' alongside '设施' so you can distinguish them clearly from the start.

Measure word mastery

Practice saying '一台设备' and '一套设备' until it feels natural.

Workplace Chinese

In a Chinese office, use '办公设备' to refer to printers, scanners, and computers collectively.

Tone practice

Both syllables are 4th tone. Make sure they sound sharp and decisive: SHÈ-BÈI.

Look for labels

When you see a machine in China, look for a sticker that says '设备编号' (Equipment Number).

News keywords

Listen for this word in economic news; it's a key indicator of industrial growth.

Formal reports

In formal reports, use '设备运行良好' to say the equipment is running well.

Safety signs

Look for '设备安全' (Equipment Safety) signs in factories or construction sites.

Login security

Pay attention to '新设备登录' alerts on your Chinese apps like WeChat.

The 'Set-Prep' rule

Think: Set (设) and Prepared (备). If it's set up and prepared, it's equipment!

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

The term '智能设备' is ubiquitous in urban China, referring to everything from smart locks to AI assistants.

China takes great pride in its large-scale equipment manufacturing, such as high-speed trains and heavy machinery.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你们办公室的设备先进吗？"

"你会操作这种复杂的设备吗？"

"如果设备坏了，我该找谁维修？"

"你觉得哪种智能设备最有用？"

"你们公司最近更新设备了吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你每天使用的电子设备。

如果你要开一家咖啡馆，你需要哪些设备？

谈谈科技设备如何改变了你的学习方式。

描述一次你遇到设备故障的经历。

你认为未来的医疗设备会是什么样子的？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can call a phone an '电子设备' (electronic device), but in casual conversation, it's better to just say '手机'. Using '设备' sounds more formal or technical.

设备 refers to the machines and tools (like a printer), while 设施 refers to the infrastructure or facilities (like the office building or a park).

Yes, it is countable. Use the measure word '台' for individual machines and '套' for sets.

No, 设备 usually refers to physical hardware. For software, use '软件' (ruǎnjiàn).

You can say '高科技设备' or '先进设备'.

Only for large or professional ones. A spoon is '餐具', but a commercial dishwasher is '厨房设备'.

It means 'equipment debugging' or 'equipment setup/adjustment' to ensure it works correctly.

You can, and people will understand you, but '台' or '套' is much more professional and correct.

It refers to 'special equipment' that requires strict safety monitoring, like boilers, pressure vessels, or elevators.

Not quite. '装备' is more like 'gear' (what you wear or carry), while '设备' is 'machinery'.