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March 24, 2026
对付(對付)duìfu(dui4fu5)
对付 (dui4 fu5) means to handle or deal with a situation, often implying a sense of coping with difficulties or challenges. It is commonly used in contexts where one must manage problems, tasks, or adversarial situations effectively, particularly in informal settings. The nuance suggests a practical, sometimes improvised approach to overcoming obstacles.
Frequency#1431DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 对付 often reflects a pragmatic approach to life's challenges, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. This attitude can be seen in traditional sayings that encourage finding ways to cope rather than avoiding problems.
Memory Tip
Think of 对 (dui4) as 'to face' and 付 (fu5) as 'to pay' or 'to give'. Imagine facing a challenge and 'paying' it off with your skills. Visualize someone 'giving' their best effort to tackle a tough situation, thus associating the character's form with the action of dealing with challenges.
Meanings of 对付
duìfu(dui4fu5)
1to handle
2to deal with
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 对付
对付Simplified
對付Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#1431Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 对付
Podcast: 对付
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AI Study Notes for 对付
Quick Contrast
应对 (yìngduì) vs 对付 (duìfu): use 应对 when emphasizing a formal or strategic response to a situation, while 对付 suggests a more informal or improvised handling of difficulties.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 对 (dui4) as 'to face' and 付 (fu5) as 'to pay' or 'to give'. Imagine facing a challenge and 'paying' it off with your skills. Visualize someone 'giving' their best effort to tackle a tough situation, thus associating the character's form with the action of dealing with challenges.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 对付 with more formal terms like 处理 (chu3 li3), which means to manage or handle in a more official context. Use 对付 in informal conversations or when discussing personal strategies for coping. Be cautious of the tone; ensure that your pronunciation is clear to avoid miscommunication.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 对付 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to problem-solving and conflict resolution. Focus on using it in various sentence structures to build fluency, and practice collocations such as 对付困难 (dui4 fu5 kun4 nan2 - to deal with difficulties).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 对付 often reflects a pragmatic approach to life's challenges, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. This attitude can be seen in traditional sayings that encourage finding ways to cope rather than avoiding problems.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 对付 when they should use 解决 (jie3 jue2), which means to solve a problem comprehensively. For example, saying '我需要对付这个问题' (I need to handle this problem) may be incorrect if a more complete resolution is required; instead, use 解决这个问题.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 对付
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Grammar Patterns of 对付
对付 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
《每日快报》把凯里医生说成是特别难____的家伙。
The Daily Express describes Dr Carey as a pretty tough nut.
All our officers are trained to defend themselves against knife attacks.
9
那么我们要对付一群犯毒瘾的笨贼?
nà mó wǒ mén yào duì fù yī qún fàn dú yǐn de bèn zéi?
So we're going to go with clumsy junkie thieves?
10
我们对付现金的打九折.
wǒ mén duì fù xiàn jīn de dǎ jiǔ zhē.
We give a 10 percent , discount for cash.
Cultural Notes for 对付
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 对付 often reflects a pragmatic approach to life's challenges, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. This attitude can be seen in traditional sayings that encourage finding ways to cope rather than avoiding problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about 对付
Generally, 对付 is more informal and best suited for casual conversations. For formal situations, consider using 处理 (chu3 li3) instead.
Yes, it is commonly used when discussing how to manage everyday challenges, such as dealing with work stress or interpersonal conflicts.
It can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that one is merely getting by rather than resolving an issue thoroughly.
