合理 (hélǐ)

合理 means reasonable, rational, or sensible -- describing something that conforms to logic, fairness, or common sense and can be justified.

Meanings

[adjective] reasonable; rational; sensible; justified; appropriate

Example Sentences

这个价格非常合理，我们决定接受。 Zhège jiàgé fēicháng hélǐ, wǒmen juédìng jiēshòu. This price is very reasonable, so we decided to accept it.

他的要求是合理的，管理层应该认真考虑。 Tā de yāoqiú shì hélǐ de, guǎnlǐ céng yīnggāi rènzhēn kǎolǜ. His request is reasonable, and management should consider it seriously.

合理的饮食结构对健康至关重要。 Hélǐ de yǐnshí jiégòu duì jiànkāng zhìguān zhòngyào. A rational diet structure is crucial to health.

我们需要制定一个合理的工作计划。 Wǒmen xūyào zhìdìng yī gè hélǐ de gōngzuò jìhuà. We need to formulate a reasonable work plan.

法律应当在合理范围内保护个人隐私。 Fǎlǜ yīngdāng zài hélǐ fànwéi nèi bǎohù gèrén yǐnsī. The law should protect personal privacy within a reasonable scope.

资源的合理分配可以减少社会不平等。 Zīyuán de hélǐ fēnpèi kěyǐ jiǎnshǎo shèhuì bù píngděng. Rational allocation of resources can reduce social inequality.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
合理的要求	a reasonable request
合理分配	rational / reasonable allocation
合理利用	rational use / utilization
不合理	unreasonable; irrational
合理化	rationalization; to rationalize
合理建议	reasonable suggestion

Usage Notes

合理 (in accordance with reason) contrasts with 合法 (in accordance with the law) -- something can be legal but not reasonable, or reasonable but not legal. 合 means "in accordance with" and 理 means "reason/logic/principle."

合理 is widely used across formal and informal registers to justify decisions, evaluations, and expectations. Its negative form 不合理 (unreasonable) is equally common and is often used in complaints or criticisms.

Memory Hook

合 means "to conform" and 理 means "reason/logic" -- 合理 means to conform to reason, i.e., to be reasonable.