对付

• Pinyin: duì fu
• Hanzi breakdown: 对 = 又 (hand) + 寸 (measure), simplified from 對; 付 = 亻(person) + 寸 (hand/measure)

Meaning

To deal with; to cope with; to make do. Handling a difficult situation or person.

Has two main uses: (1) to handle or cope with a challenge, problem, or adversary, often implying difficulty; (2) to make do or get by with something barely adequate, as in 对付着吃 (just making do with the food). Can carry a slightly negative or reluctant tone.

Examples

1. 这个问题不太好对付，需要想个办法。 This problem is not easy to deal with — we need to think of a plan.
2. 今天太忙了，午饭就随便对付一下吧。 I'm too busy today — let's just make do for lunch.
3. 她很会对付各种复杂的情况。 She is very good at dealing with all kinds of complicated situations.

Usage Guide

Context: problem-solving, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这件事不好对付。(This matter is not easy to deal with.)
• 晚饭随便对付一下就行了。(Just make do with something for dinner.)

Don't Say

• 用'对付'在正式商务场合 (Don't use 对付 in formal business settings — it sounds too casual or combative; use 处理 or 应对 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 对 (to face) and 付 (to handle, to give). Together they mean to face and deal with something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal