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.
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.
公平 (gōngpíng) - Fair / Impartial: Focuses on justice, equality, and treating everyone without bias.
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).