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处理 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
处理chǔlǐto handleHSK 5, v, 16 strokes, rank #517, Hard
处理chǔlǐto treatHSK 5, v, 16 strokes, rank #517, Hard
处理chǔlǐto deal withHSK 5, v, 16 strokes, rank #517, Hard
处理chǔlǐto processHSK 5, v, 16 strokes, rank #517, Hard
处理chǔlǐto deal with a criminal caseHSK 5, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #517, Hard
处理chǔlǐto mete out punishmentHSK 5, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #517, Hard
处理chǔlǐto offer for sale at a reduced priceHSK 5, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #517, Hard
处理chǔlǐto punishHSK 5, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #517, Hard
chǔlǐ(chu3li3)chu li T3
  1. 1to handle
  2. 2to treat
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March 24, 2026

处理(處理)chǔlǐ(chu3li3)

处理 (chǔlǐ) means to handle, deal with, or process something. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as managing tasks, resolving issues, or processing information. The nuance often implies an active engagement in managing a situation or item until it is resolved or completed.

Strokes16Frequency#517DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese workplaces, the ability to effectively 处理 tasks is highly valued, as it reflects one's competence and professionalism. The term is often used in business settings where efficiency and problem-solving are crucial.

Memory Tip

Think of 处理 (chǔlǐ) as 'coo-lee,' where you 'coolly' handle and resolve problems. The character 处 (chǔ) can remind you of a 'place' where you manage situations, while 理 (lǐ) suggests 'reason' or 'logic,' indicating that you deal with matters thoughtfully.

Meanings of 处理

chǔlǐ(chu3li3)
1to handle
2to treat
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 处理

处理Simplified
處理Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#517Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2BCT✓CEFRA2

Podcast: 处理

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Podcast: 处理

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AI Study Notes for 处理

Quick Contrast

处理 (chǔlǐ) vs 解决 (jiějué): use 处理 when emphasizing the act of handling or managing a situation, while 解决 focuses on finding a solution to a problem.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 处理 with 解决 (jiějué), which specifically means to solve a problem rather than handle it. This verb is more formal, so avoid using it in overly casual conversations. Be mindful of using the correct tone when pronouncing it to avoid miscommunication.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 处理 connects well with other terms related to management, such as 管理 (guǎnlǐ) meaning 'to manage' and 解决 (jiějué) meaning 'to solve.' Focus on using 处理 in sentences that involve handling tasks or issues to reinforce its meaning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 处理 when they should use 解决, leading to phrases like 处理问题 instead of the more appropriate 解决问题. Always choose based on whether you're handling or solving something.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 处理

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Component Characters

处chǔto reside
HSK 55 strokes夂
View full entry
理lǐtexture
HSK 611 strokes王
View full entry

How to say to handle in Chinese

“to handle” in Chinese is处理chǔlǐ

处理 (chǔlǐ) means to handle, deal with, or process something. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as managing tasks, resolving issues, or processing information. The nuance often implies an active engagement in managing a situation or item until it is resolved or completed.

When to use 处理

Common mistakes include confusing 处理 with 解决 (jiějué), which specifically means to solve a problem rather than handle it. This verb is more formal, so avoid using it in overly casual conversations. Be mindful of using the correct tone when pronouncing it to avoid miscommunication.

处理 or something close to it

处理 (chǔlǐ) vs 解决 (jiějué): use 处理 when emphasizing the act of handling or managing a situation, while 解决 focuses on finding a solution to a problem.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 处理 when they should use 解决, leading to phrases like 处理问题 instead of the more appropriate 解决问题. Always choose based on whether you're handling or solving something.

Write 处理

处
理

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Frequently Asked Questions about 处理

No, while both can mean to deal with a problem, 处理 implies handling or managing a situation, whereas 解决 specifically refers to solving it.

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