What does 处理 mean in Chinese?

处理 (chǔ lǐ) means "to handle; to treat; to deal with; to process; to deal with a criminal case; to mete out punishment; to offer for sale at a reduced price; to punish" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 5.

How do you pronounce 处理?

处理 is pronounced "chǔ lǐ" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.

What HSK level is 处理?

处理 is an HSK 5 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 5 on both the old and the new exam.

What characters make up 处理?

处理 is made up of the characters 处, 理. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.

How do you write 处理?

You can practice writing 处理 using our stroke order tool.

处理 (chǔ lǐ), to handle

处理

chǔ lǐ

to handle; to treat; to deal with; to process

HSK 5verb

Traditional: 處理

Characters in This Word

处理

Definitions

(verb) to handle
to treat
to deal with
to process
to deal with a criminal case
to mete out punishment
to offer for sale at a reduced price
to punish

Example Sentences

需要及时处理这个文件。

Xūyào jíshí chǔlǐ zhège wénjiàn

This file needs to be handled promptly

Related Words

对付(duì fu)· to handle

→

从事(cóng shì)· to go for

→

处治(chǔ zhì)· to punish

→

了当(liǎo dàng)· frank

→

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 5
HSK 2.0: HSK 5
HSK Lord study list: HSK 3 list

处理: HSK 5 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 5 exam

Studying for HSK 5? Keep 处理 with the rest of your level.

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Start studying free The words new HSK 5 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.