妥当

• Pinyin: tuǒ dàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 妥 = 爪 (hand from above) + 女 (woman); 当 = 田 (field) + 尚 (value, uphold) — fitting to the situation

Meaning

Proper; appropriate; well-handled. Indicating that something has been done correctly and suitably, leaving nothing wanting.

Slightly more formal than the standalone 妥. Often used to evaluate whether arrangements, plans, or decisions have been made appropriately. Common in assessments of handling sensitive matters, making arrangements for guests or events, or evaluating decisions. 妥当 implies careful thought and correct execution.

Examples

1. 这件事你处理得很妥当，我没什么可补充的。 You handled this matter very appropriately — I have nothing to add.
2. 出发前请确认行李已经收拾妥当。 Please make sure your luggage is properly packed before departure.
3. 领导对接待方案是否妥当提出了几点修改意见。 The leader raised a few points for revision regarding whether the reception plan was appropriate.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, everyday, planning

Tone: evaluative

Do Say

• 请你考虑一下这样安排是否妥当。(Please consider whether this arrangement is appropriate.)
• 他把父母的养老问题安排得十分妥当。(He made very proper arrangements for his parents' care in their old age.)

Don't Say

• 把妥当用于批评不当行为 (妥当 is used to affirm correct handling, not to criticise — for inappropriate handling use 不妥 or 不当)

Origin & History

Compound of 妥 (proper, settled) + 当 (appropriate, fitting). Together reinforce the idea of something being suitably and properly arranged.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal