治理

• Pinyin: zhì lǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 治 = to govern; 理 = 玉 (jade) + 里 (village), meaning to manage/reason

Meaning

To govern; to manage; to control. To take measures to address problems and improve conditions.

Used for addressing social, environmental, or organizational issues. Common phrases: 环境治理 (environmental governance), 国家治理 (state governance), 综合治理 (comprehensive management). Broader than just governing.

Examples

1. 政府正在加大力度治理空气污染。 The government is stepping up efforts to control air pollution.
2. 这条河流经过多年治理，水质明显改善。 After years of management, the water quality of this river has significantly improved.
3. 城市治理需要多部门协作。 Urban governance requires multi-department cooperation.

Usage Guide

Context: government, environment, management

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 治理污染是当务之急。(Addressing pollution is an urgent priority.)
• 需要综合治理。(Comprehensive governance is needed.)

Don't Say

• 治理我的房间 (治理 is for large-scale issues — for personal spaces, use 整理)

Origin & History

Compound of 治 (to govern) and 理 (to manage, reason). To govern and manage rationally.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal