hélǐ: 合理 - Reasonable, Rational, Equitable

• Keywords: 合理, hélǐ, heli, reasonable in Chinese, rational, logical, equitable, fair in Chinese, Chinese adjective, HSK 4, 合理 meaning, how to use 合理, 合理 vs 公平
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 合理 (hélǐ), a fundamental Chinese adjective for anything that is “reasonable,” “rational,” or “logical.” This page breaks down how 合理 is used to describe everything from fair prices and sensible plans to logical arguments. Learn its cultural significance, how it differs from the English word “reasonable,” and see practical examples to help you use it accurately in everyday conversation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): hélǐ
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: In accordance with reason, logic, or established principles; reasonable.
• In a Nutshell: 合理 (hélǐ) describes something that “fits with logic.” Think of it as a stamp of approval signifying that an idea, price, plan, or explanation makes objective sense. It’s less about feelings or personal convenience and more about whether something is justifiable, logical, and well-founded. If a decision is 合理, it can be defended with clear reasoning.

• 合 (hé): To join, to combine, to fit, or to suit. Pictorially, it can be seen as a lid (亼) fitting perfectly onto a container (口). It implies a sense of harmony and proper alignment.
• 理 (lǐ): Reason, logic, principle, or truth. The character's left side (王) is a variant of 玉 (yù), meaning “jade,” and the right side (里) relates to a village or pattern. The original meaning involved cutting and polishing jade to reveal its inner pattern, a metaphor for discovering underlying principles or truth.
• Together, 合理 (hélǐ) literally means “to fit with principle” or “to align with logic.” This beautifully captures its essence as something that is sound, justifiable, and makes perfect sense.

In Chinese culture, which often values order, structure, and clear justification, 合理 (hélǐ) is a crucial concept. It appeals to a shared understanding of what is logical and right, moving beyond personal whims. A key cultural difference lies in its comparison to the English word “reasonable.”

• In English, “reasonable” can be subjective and accommodating. Saying “Be reasonable!” might mean “Don't ask for too much” or “Let's compromise.” It's often about social ease.
• In Chinese, 合理 (hélǐ) is more objective and analytical. A 合理的要求 (hélǐ de yāoqiú) is a “reasonable demand” because it is justified by facts, rules, or logic, not necessarily because it's easy to fulfill. It's a request that can't be easily refuted on logical grounds.

This points to a preference for decisions based on established principles (理) rather than purely on individual feelings or negotiation, reflecting a desire for fairness and predictability in social and business interactions.

合理 (hélǐ) is an extremely common and versatile adjective used in many contexts:

• Business and Commerce: To describe prices, costs, profit margins, and business proposals. A 合理的价格 (hélǐ de jiàgé) is a price that is justified by the product's quality and market value.
• Planning and Management: To evaluate plans, schedules, arrangements, and the allocation of resources. 合理安排时间 (hélǐ ānpái shíjiān) means “to arrange time rationally/efficiently.”
• Arguments and Discussions: To assess explanations, conclusions, and requests. If someone's argument is 合理, it's considered logical and persuasive.
• Everyday Life: To comment on almost any decision or situation that requires judgment, from dividing housework to setting rules.

Its connotation is almost always neutral to positive, as it signifies logic, fairness, and good sense.

• Example 1:
  • 这个价格很合理，我们买吧。
  • Pinyin: Zhège jiàgé hěn hélǐ, wǒmen mǎi ba.
  • English: This price is very reasonable, let's buy it.
  • Analysis: This is the most common usage for learners. 合理 here means the price is fair and justified for the item's value.
• Example 2:
  • 经理，我觉得这个工作安排不合理。
  • Pinyin: Jīnglǐ, wǒ juéde zhège gōngzuò ānpái bù hélǐ.
  • English: Manager, I feel this work arrangement is unreasonable.
  • Analysis: Here, 不合理 (bù hélǐ) is used to politely challenge a decision. The speaker is implying the arrangement is illogical, inefficient, or unfair based on objective factors (e.g., workload, timing).
• Example 3:
  • 我们需要一个合理的解决方案。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yí ge hélǐ de jiějué fāng'àn.
  • English: We need a rational/sensible solution.
  • Analysis: 合理 modifies “solution” to mean one that is practical, logical, and addresses the problem effectively, rather than a solution that is merely easy or quick.
• Example 4:
  • 他的解释听起来完全合理。
  • Pinyin: Tā de jiěshì tīng qǐlái wánquán hélǐ.
  • English: His explanation sounds completely rational.
  • Analysis: This shows 合理 used to evaluate an argument or explanation. It means the logic is sound and the story holds together.
• Example 5:
  • 我们应该合理利用我们的自然资源。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi hélǐ lìyòng wǒmen de zìrán zīyuán.
  • English: We should utilize our natural resources rationally.
  • Analysis: In this structure, 合理 acts as an adverb (often without 地 de). It means to do something in a logical, efficient, and planned manner.
• Example 6:
  • 你的要求有点不合理，我没法帮你。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de yāoqiú yǒudiǎn bù hélǐ, wǒ méi fǎ bāng nǐ.
  • English: Your request is a bit unreasonable, I can't help you.
  • Analysis: A softer way to say something is unreasonable using 有点 (yǒudiǎn), meaning “a bit.” The reason for refusal is based on the request's lack of logic or fairness.
• Example 7:
  • 从经济学的角度看，这个决定是合理的。
  • Pinyin: Cóng jīngjìxué de jiǎodù kàn, zhège juédìng shì hélǐ de.
  • English: From an economic perspective, this decision is rational.
  • Analysis: This highlights the objective, principle-based nature of 合理. The decision makes sense according to the principles of a specific field (economics).
• Example 8:
  • 公司给了他合理的补偿。
  • Pinyin: Gōngsī gěile tā hélǐ de bǔcháng.
  • English: The company gave him reasonable compensation.
  • Analysis: In a legal or business context, 合理 means the compensation was fair, appropriate, and justified by the circumstances or regulations.
• Example 9:
  • 在有限的时间内完成这么多任务是不合理的。
  • Pinyin: Zài yǒuxiàn de shíjiān nèi wánchéng zhème duō rènwù shì bù hélǐ de.
  • English: Completing so many tasks within a limited time is not reasonable.
  • Analysis: This is a clear example of using 合理 to judge feasibility. The expectation violates the logic of time and workload.
• Example 10:
  • 你能给我一个合理的理由吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng gěi wǒ yí ge hélǐ de lǐyóu ma?
  • English: Can you give me a rational reason?
  • Analysis: This is a request for a justification that is logical and makes sense, not just a flimsy excuse.

The most common point of confusion for English speakers is the difference between 合理 (hélǐ) and 公平 (gōngpíng).

• 合理 (hélǐ) - Rational / Logical: Focuses on whether something aligns with logic, rules, or sound judgment. A decision can be 合理 but not feel fair to everyone.
  • Example: It's 合理 to give the promotion to the employee with the most sales, because the rule is “top sales gets promoted.”
• 公平 (gōngpíng) - Fair / Impartial: Focuses on justice, equality, and treating everyone without bias.
  • Example: It might not feel 公平 to another employee who worked just as hard but had a tougher sales territory.

Common Mistake: Using 合理 when you simply mean something is convenient or easy.

• Incorrect: 晚上七点见面不合理，因为我六点才下班。(Using 合理 to mean “inconvenient”).
• Why it's wrong: The time itself isn't illogical. It's just inconvenient for you.
• Correct: 晚上七点见面不方便 (bù fāngbiàn)，因为我六点才下班。(It's not convenient…) OR 晚上七点见面不太合适 (bú tài héshì) (not very suitable).

• 道理 (dàolǐ) - Reason; principle; the underlying “logic” or “sense” that makes something 合理. Often heard in the phrase 有道理 (yǒu dàolǐ), meaning “makes sense.”
• 公平 (gōngpíng) - Fair; impartial. A key term to contrast with 合理. It's about equal treatment, while 合理 is about logical justification.
• 合法 (héfǎ) - Legal; lawful. Literally “fits with the law.” This follows the same “合 + principle” structure as 合理. Something can be 合法 but not 合理 (e.g., a legal but ridiculous loophole).
• 合适 (héshì) - Suitable; appropriate. This is about whether something “fits” a person, situation, or purpose. A shirt can be 合适 (it fits you), but it wouldn't be described as 合理.
• 理性 (lǐxìng) - Rationality; reason (as a noun); rational (as an adjective describing a person or their thinking). It's more abstract than 合理 and often describes a person's character (e.g., 他是一个很理性的人 - He is a very rational person).
• 不合理 (bù hélǐ) - Unreasonable; irrational. The direct antonym of 合理.
• 讲理 (jiǎng lǐ) - To be reasonable; to reason with someone. Literally “to speak reason.” A person who is willing to listen to logic is a person who 讲理.