处理

• Pinyin: chǔ lǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 处 = simplified from 處, meaning place or to manage; 理 = 王 (jade) + 里 (village, phonetic), originally meaning to polish jade, extended to reason/manage

Meaning

To handle; to deal with; to process. Managing or resolving a matter, problem, or task.

A very versatile word used in many contexts: 处理问题 (handle a problem), 处理事务 (manage affairs), 处理关系 (manage relationships), and 数据处理 (data processing). Also used for selling items at reduced prices: 处理品 (clearance items). Slightly more formal than 办 (to do/handle).

Examples

1. 这个问题需要尽快处理。 This problem needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
2. 她很擅长处理人际关系。 She is very good at managing interpersonal relationships.
3. 老板让我帮他处理一些文件。 The boss asked me to help him process some documents.

Usage Guide

Context: work, problem-solving, everyday

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这件事你打算怎么处理？(How do you plan to handle this matter?)
• 我们需要马上处理这个紧急情况。(We need to deal with this emergency immediately.)

Don't Say

• 处理吃饭 (Don't use 处理 for routine activities like eating — say 准备吃饭; 处理 implies managing a task or solving a problem)

Origin & History

Compound of 处 (place, to be in, to manage) and 理 (reason, to arrange), together meaning to manage matters in an orderly and reasonable way.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal