布置 (bù zhì) — Chinese Word

verb HSK 4

Traditional 佈置

bù zhì

to arrange · to decorate · to set up · to assign (tasks)

Meaning

布置 means to arrange, organize, or set up something in a deliberate way. It commonly refers to decorating a space (like a room or party venue) or assigning tasks and homework. The word combines 布 (to spread out, arrange) and 置 (to place, position), creating the sense of thoughtfully placing or arranging things.

Usage

Native speakers use 布置 in two main contexts: physical arrangement (decorating rooms, setting up events) and task assignment (teachers assigning homework, bosses delegating work). It implies intentionality and planning. Common in both spoken and written Chinese, with a neutral register appropriate for most situations.

Examples

01
老师今天布置了很多作业。
Lǎo shī jīn tiān bù zhì le hěn duō zuò yè.
The teacher assigned a lot of homework today.
02
我们需要布置一下客厅，明天有客人来。
Wǒ men xū yào bù zhì yī xià kè tīng, míng tiān yǒu kè rén lái.
We need to arrange the living room a bit; guests are coming tomorrow.

Characters

Common collocations

布置房间
bù zhì fáng jiān
to decorate a room
布置作业
bù zhì zuò yè
to assign homework
布置任务
bù zhì rèn wù
to assign tasks
布置会场
bù zhì huì chǎng
to set up a venue

Origin

The compound combines 布 (originally 'cloth' but extended to mean 'spread out/arrange') with 置 (to place/position). Together they create the meaning of deliberately arranging or positioning things in an organized manner.