在理 (zài lǐ) — reasonable, sensible, right | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

Used to praise an argument, suggestion, or remark as logical and well-grounded ('reasonable, makes sense'). Tends to describe the quality of what someone says, more colloquial than 有道理.

adjective

reasonablesensibleright

Examples

在理，。
Nǐ zhè huà shuō dé zài lǐ, wǒ wán quán tóng yì.
What you said is reasonable; I completely agree.
在理，。
Tā de jiàn yì hěn zài lǐ, wǒ men àn tā shuō de zuò ba.
His suggestion is very sensible; let's do as he says.
，在理。
Suī rán tīng qǐ lái yǒu diǎn qí guài, dàn qí shí hěn zài lǐ.
Although it sounds a bit strange, it's actually very reasonable.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

理lǐreason

在理 joins 在 in with 理 reason, giving the sense of being reasonable.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

才才cái
士士shì

The early form of 在 used 才 for its sound; a second sound part 士 was added later, and that 士 became the 土 seen in 在.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

玉玉yùjade

Sound part声符shēngfú

里

里lǐ理lǐ

Same sound today

理 pairs 玉 (jade) with 里, which shows how to say it; the jade part points to the old sense of polishing jade.

Appears in

Attitudes & Opinions Good & Bad

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