置办 (zhì bàn) — to purchase, to buy (especially in a formal or systematic way, such as for a project or household)

Definition

A formal verb meaning to purchase or procure, typically in larger quantities or for a specific purpose (household, project, event). Implies systematic planning rather than casual shopping, with a written or official tone.

verb
to purchaseto buy (especially in a formal or systematic way, such as for a project or household)

Examples

  • 置办。
    Gōng sī xū yào zhì bàn yì pī xīn diàn nǎo.
    The company needs to purchase a batch of new computers.
  • 置办。
    Tā men wèi hūn lǐ zhì bàn le hěn duō jiā jù.
    They bought a lot of furniture for the wedding.
  • 置办。
    Zhè xiē shè bèi shì qù nián zhì bàn de.
    These pieces of equipment were purchased last year.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

置zhìbuy/arrange
办bànmanage/procure

The 置 and 办 both involve arranging or obtaining things, together meaning to purchase or procure.

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.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
罒Written in full as网wǎng
Sound part声符shēngfú
直
直zhí置zhì
Same sound today

置 is built from 罒, a net, on top and 直 below; 直 gives the sound.

Open 置 →

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

This origin belongs to the traditional form 辦; 办 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
力力lìstrength
Sound part声符shēngfú
辡
辡biàn辦bàn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 辦 combines 力 (strength) with 辡, which gives the sound; the simplified 办 is a later shorthand.

Open 办 →

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