设法 shèfǎ to try
to try; to make an attempt; to think of a way (to accomplish something)
How to remember 设法: 设 to build + 法 law = to try.
Characters
How it is used
- To try to find a way to do something - 我们设法解决 (wǒmen shèfǎ jiějué) we'll figure out a way to solve it.
- Always followed by a verb phrase (the thing you're trying to accomplish); implies effort and ingenuity, stronger than plain 想 (try to).
- Slightly formal. Near 想办法 (xiǎng bànfǎ), the everyday spoken equivalent.
Example sentences
- 我们要设法跟他们交流。 Wǒmen yào shèfǎ gēn tāmen jiāoliú.We have to try to communicate with them.
- 我们必须设法打破这个僵局。 Wǒmen bìxū shèfǎ dǎpò zhège jiāngjú.We must try to break the deadlock.