Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
管理guǎnlǐ(guan3li3)
管理 (guǎn lǐ) refers to the act of supervising or managing resources, people, or projects. It is commonly used in business contexts, such as in management roles, and can also apply to personal management of time and resources. The term encompasses both the actions taken to direct and oversee as well as the broader concept of administration.
Frequency#2263DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese businesses, management practices often emphasize collective decision-making and harmony, reflecting Confucian values. This contrasts with more hierarchical approaches seen in some Western companies.
Memory Tip
Imagine a manager holding a large '管' (pipe) directing the flow of tasks, symbolizing their control over the process. The '理' (reason) represents the rationale behind decisions made in management, helping you remember that management is about guiding with reason.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 管理
Quick Contrast
协调 (xiétiáo) - use 管理 (guǎnlǐ) when emphasizing the act of overseeing and directing, while 协调 (xiétiáo) focuses on harmonizing and coordinating between different elements.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a manager holding a large '管' (pipe) directing the flow of tasks, symbolizing their control over the process. The '理' (reason) represents the rationale behind decisions made in management, helping you remember that management is about guiding with reason.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 管理 with 领导 (lǐng dǎo), which means to lead rather than manage. 管理 is more about overseeing processes, while 领导 focuses on inspiring and directing people. Use 管理 in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with tone; it should be pronounced with the third tone on both characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 管理 connects to other terms related to business and organizational behavior, such as 组织 (zǔ zhī - organize) and 计划 (jì huà - plan). Students should focus on collocations and common phrases that involve 管理 to improve contextual understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese businesses, management practices often emphasize collective decision-making and harmony, reflecting Confucian values. This contrasts with more hierarchical approaches seen in some Western companies.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 管理 in contexts that require 领导. For example, saying '我负责管理团队' (I am responsible for leading the team) should be corrected to '我负责领导团队' to convey the right meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 管理
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 管理 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 管理 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 管理
管理 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
We need someone experienced to manage this project.
Cultural Notes for 管理
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese businesses, management practices often emphasize collective decision-making and harmony, reflecting Confucian values. This contrasts with more hierarchical approaches seen in some Western companies.
Frequently Asked Questions about 管理
管理 (guǎn lǐ) focuses on overseeing processes, while 领导 (lǐng dǎo) emphasizes inspiring and directing people.
Yes, it can apply to personal management, like managing time or household responsibilities.
Yes, 管理 is the most common term, but you might also encounter 经营 (jīng yíng) in business contexts.
