Comparison of "应付" and "处理"

In Chinese, both "应付" and "处理" are related to the concept of dealing with or handling something, but they are used in different contexts and convey slightly different nuances.

应付 (yìngfù)

"应付" is a verb that means "to deal with" or "to cope with". It is often used to describe handling or managing something, especially in a temporary or superficial manner, without necessarily resolving the underlying issues.

• For example: He knows how to deal with difficult customers. - 他知道如何应付困难的客户。(Tā zhīdào rúhé yìngfù kùnnán de kèhù.)
• For example: She just managed to cope with her workload. - 她勉强应付了她的工作量。(Tā miǎnqiáng yìngfùle tā de gōngzuò liàng.)

处理 (chǔlǐ)

"处理" is a verb or noun meaning "to handle" or "handling". It is used to describe the process of dealing with something in a more comprehensive or systematic manner, often implying resolution or action to address the underlying issues.

• For example: The company is handling the situation with caution. - 公司正小心处理这种情况。(Gōngsī zhèng xiǎoxīn chǔlǐ zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng.)
• For example: We need to deal with this problem promptly. - 我们需要及时处理这个问题。(Wǒmen xūyào jíshí chǔlǐ zhège wèntí.)

Main Differences

• Definition: "应付" often implies dealing with something in a temporary or superficial manner, without necessarily resolving underlying issues, while "处理" suggests a more comprehensive or systematic approach to handling something, often with the intention of resolving the underlying problems.
• Usage: "应付" is used for handling or managing something, especially in a temporary or superficial manner, while "处理" is used for dealing with something in a more comprehensive or systematic manner, often implying resolution or action to address the underlying issues.