擺 (bǎi) - To arrange & to place

擺Tone 3

bǎi ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

擺 · bǎi

To arrange;

to place;

to display;

to swing;

to oscillate;

to put;

to lay;

to show off;

to affect.

To arrangeto placeto display

Usage highlights

To arrangeTo swingTo put on airsTo displayTo oscillateTo lay out

Synonyms

  • 放— to put; to place
  • 置— to place; to put
  • 陈列— to display; to exhibit

Antonyms

  • 收— to put away; to collect
  • 藏— to hide; to conceal

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please arrange the books neatly on the shelf (把书摆在书架上).
  • The pendulum swings back and forth (钟摆在来回摆动).
  • He put on an arrogant air (他摆出一副傲慢的样子).
  • The market stall displays various goods (摊位上摆着各种商品).

Collocations

  • To arrange(摆放)
  • To swing(摆动)
  • To put on airs(摆架子)
  • To display(摆设)
  • To oscillate(摆荡)
  • To lay out(摆开)

Idioms

  • To lay all the cards on the table(摆事实，讲道理)
  • To put on bureaucratic airs(摆官架子)
  • To display one's wealth(摆阔气)
  • To maintain a dignified posture(摆正姿态)
  • To swing back and forth(摇摆不定)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, proper arrangement (摆) of objects reflects order and harmony.
  • The character appears in terms related to social posturing and affectation, reflecting cultural awareness of appearances.
  • Used in both practical contexts (arranging objects) and metaphorical ones (affecting attitudes).

FAQ