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A2 adjective #6,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

不合理

buhouli Top 6,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 不合理 en 30 secondes

Explication 不合理 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 不合理 (bù hé lǐ) as a way to say something is 'not good' or 'not right' because it doesn't make sense. Even though it's technically an A2 word, you might hear it when people talk about money. For example, if a small water bottle costs $100, that is 不合理. You don't need to know the complex philosophy behind it yet. Just remember that '不' means 'not' and '合理' means 'reasonable.' In your early sentences, you will mostly use it with '很' (very) or '太...了' (too...). It's a great word to use when you feel like a price is too high or a rule is very strange. Keep your sentences simple: '这个价格不合理' (This price is not reasonable). By using this word, you show that you understand more than just basic 'good' and 'bad.' You are starting to express opinions about why things are the way they are.

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At the A2 level, you should start using 不合理 to describe more than just prices. You can use it to talk about your daily life, your schedule, or simple requests. If your teacher gives you three hours of homework for a ten-minute class, you can say that is 不合理. You should also practice using the '的' particle to describe things: '不合理的要求' (an unreasonable request). At this stage, you are moving beyond simple adjectives and starting to combine them with nouns to make more complex thoughts. You should also recognize that 不合理 is the opposite of '合理.' Understanding this pair will help you in conversations where you need to agree or disagree with someone's plan. For example, if someone suggests a plan, you can say '这很合理' (This is reasonable) or '这不合理' (This is unreasonable). This is a key step in participating in basic negotiations and discussions in Mandarin.

For B1 learners, 不合理 becomes a tool for more detailed explanations and arguments. You aren't just saying things are unreasonable; you are beginning to explain *why*. You might use it in the workplace to discuss schedules or in school to talk about rules. You should be comfortable using it in longer sentences with conjunctions like '因为...所以...' (Because... therefore...). For example: '因为这个计划不合理，所以我们不能执行它' (Because this plan is unreasonable, we cannot execute it). You should also notice how 不合理 is used in social media or news headlines to critique social issues. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 不合理 from similar words like '不公平' (unfair) or '不合适' (unsuitable). You are starting to see the logical nuance—that something can be 'fair' but still 'unreasonable' if it is physically impossible or logically flawed.

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At the B2 level, you should use 不合理 in formal writing and professional debates. You will encounter it in legal texts, business contracts, and academic papers. You should be able to use it to analyze complex systems. For instance, you might discuss '不合理的资源分配' (unreasonable resource allocation) or '不合理的城市规划' (unreasonable urban planning). You should also be familiar with more formal structures, such as using '并非' (not necessarily) to soften the blow: '这种做法并非完全不合理' (This approach is not entirely unreasonable). Your vocabulary should expand to include synonyms like '荒谬' (absurd) or '欠妥' (inappropriate), and you should know exactly when to use 不合理 instead of them. This level requires you to use the word to construct logical arguments, showing that you can think critically in Chinese about systemic issues and abstract concepts.

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C1 learners must master the subtle philosophical and rhetorical uses of 不合理. It is no longer just an adjective but a concept used to challenge the status quo. You will use it to critique ideologies, economic theories, and long-standing traditions. You should understand how it relates to the concept of '理' (lǐ) in Chinese philosophy—the idea of a universal logic or order. In high-level discussions, you might use 不合理 to describe a 'logical fallacy' or a 'structural inconsistency.' You should be able to use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences that involve subtle nuances of tone. For example, using it sarcastically or using it to set up a 'reductio ad absurdum' argument. You should also be comfortable using it in professional settings to negotiate contract terms or to challenge a superior's decision in a way that is intellectually grounded rather than emotionally driven. Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of the logical frameworks within Chinese culture.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 不合理 is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word with precision in various registers, from legal scholarship to literary criticism. You understand its historical weight and how the concept of 'reason' (理) has evolved in Chinese thought. You can use 不合理 to deconstruct complex arguments, pointing out precisely where the logic fails. You are also aware of its use in idioms and classical-style modern prose. In a C2 context, you might use the word to discuss the 'irrationality' of human behavior in a psychological or philosophical sense, moving far beyond its daily practical applications. You can navigate the most sensitive topics—politics, ethics, and social reform—using this word to provide sharp, yet logically sound, critiques. Your ability to use 不合理 is not just about vocabulary; it is about demonstrating a sophisticated command of logic and rhetoric in the Chinese language.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

不合理 en 30 secondes

不合理 (bù hé lǐ) means 'unreasonable' or 'irrational' in Chinese.
It is used for prices, rules, and logic that don't make sense.
It is a common way to express that something is unfair or illogical.
The word is vital for negotiations, critiques, and daily complaints.

The Chinese term 不合理 (bù hé lǐ) is a cornerstone of daily communication, legal discourse, and economic debate. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'unreasonable' or 'irrational.' However, its usage penetrates deeper into the Chinese psyche than the English equivalent might suggest. In Chinese culture, the concept of 理 (lǐ)—which can mean reason, logic, truth, or the natural order of things—is paramount. Therefore, when something is labeled as 不合理, it isn't just a minor inconvenience; it is often perceived as a violation of the proper way the world should function.

Economic Context: In the marketplace, you will frequently hear this word regarding pricing or contracts. If a shopkeeper asks for ten times the normal price of an item, a customer will immediately exclaim, '价格太不合理了!' (The price is too unreasonable!). It suggests that the price does not align with the intrinsic value or the 'truth' of the market.
Social and Workplace Dynamics: In the workplace, 不合理 is used to describe unfair demands or illogical workflows. If a manager asks an employee to complete a month's worth of work in two days, the employee might discuss the '不合理的要求' (unreasonable demands) with colleagues. It highlights a lack of empathy and a disconnect from reality.

这个规定非常不合理，我们应该向上级反映。 (This regulation is very unreasonable; we should report it to the higher-ups.)

Furthermore, the word is used in philosophical or scientific contexts to describe something that lacks logical consistency. If a theory contains internal contradictions, a scholar might describe it as logically 不合理. This versatility makes it an essential tool for anyone wishing to express dissatisfaction or critical thought in Mandarin. It bridges the gap between emotional frustration ('This is unfair!') and intellectual critique ('This does not make sense!').

Legal Application: In legal documents, 不合理 is used to describe terms that are unconscionable or procedures that do not follow due process. It is a formal way to state that a specific action lacks justification under the law.

合同中的某些条款被认为是不合理的，因此不具备法律效力。 (Certain terms in the contract are considered unreasonable and therefore have no legal effect.)

To master this word, one must understand that it is not merely a synonym for 'bad.' It specifically targets the logic or fairness of a situation. When you use it, you are making a claim about the structure of an argument, the fairness of a price, or the feasibility of a plan. It is a word of judgment, used by parents to children, employees to bosses, and citizens to governments.

Using 不合理 (bù hé lǐ) correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective and how it interacts with different sentence structures. In Mandarin, adjectives often function like verbs, meaning they don't always need the verb 'to be' (是) when used as a predicate. Instead, we frequently use intensifiers like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 太...了 (tài...le).

As a Predicate: This is the most common usage. You are describing a subject as being unreasonable.
Structure: [Subject] + [Intensifier] + 不合理.
Example: 他的建议很不合理。 (His suggestion is very unreasonable.)

这种分配方式太不合理了！ (This method of distribution is just too unreasonable!)

When you want to use 不合理 to modify a noun directly (acting as an attributive adjective), you must use the particle 的 (de). This is essential for creating complex noun phrases that describe specific 'unreasonable' things.

As a Modifier: Structure: 不合理 + 的 + [Noun].
Example: 不合理的价格 (Unreasonable prices), 不合理的安排 (Unreasonable arrangements).

我们不能接受这种不合理的要求。 (We cannot accept this kind of unreasonable request.)

Another advanced way to use this word is in comparative sentences. You might want to say that one thing is more unreasonable than another. In these cases, you use the 比 (bǐ) structure. For example, '他的要求比我的更不合理' (His request is even more unreasonable than mine). This allows for nuanced comparisons in negotiations or debates.

Finally, consider the negative form. While 不合理 is already negative (not reasonable), you can use '并非不合理' (not necessarily unreasonable) to provide a more moderate or defensive stance. '这种做法并非不合理' (This way of doing things is not necessarily unreasonable). This double negative adds a layer of formal sophistication to your speech, often used in academic or high-level business discussions.

In the real world, 不合理 (bù hé lǐ) is everywhere—from the bustling wet markets of Shanghai to the high-rise corporate offices of Beijing. Understanding the environment in which this word is uttered helps you grasp its emotional weight. It is rarely a neutral observation; it almost always carries a tone of protest, critique, or logical assessment.

In the Market and Shopping: If you are bargaining in China, 不合理 is your best friend. When a vendor gives you the 'tourist price,' you can shake your head and say, '这个价格太不合理了，便宜点吧' (This price is too unreasonable, make it a bit cheaper). Here, it serves as a logical justification for your desire to pay less.

那家店的收费标准完全不合理。 (That shop's charging standards are completely unreasonable.)

In Chinese news and social media, you will see this word used to criticize public policy or corporate behavior. For example, if a company's overtime policy is too grueling, netizens will flood the comments with '加班制度不合理' (The overtime system is unreasonable). It is a powerful tool for collective bargaining and social commentary.

In Family Life: Children might use it to complain about their parents' strict rules. '每天晚上八点就要睡觉，太不合理了！' (Having to go to sleep at 8 PM every night is so unreasonable!). In this context, it expresses a sense of being treated unfairly compared to peers.

父母对他的期望有些不合理。 (His parents' expectations of him are somewhat unreasonable.)

You will also hear it in academic settings. During a thesis defense or a scientific debate, a professor might point out that a student's data analysis is 不合理 because the methodology was flawed. Here, the word is stripped of its emotional heat and used as a cold, clinical assessment of logical failure.

In summary, whether it's a dispute over a taxi fare, a complaint about government bureaucracy, or a critique of a movie plot, 不合理 is the go-to word for expressing that something simply doesn't add up. It is the linguistic manifestation of the human desire for logic, fairness, and common sense.

While 不合理 (bù hé lǐ) seems straightforward, English speakers often trip up on its specific nuances and grammatical constraints. One of the most common mistakes is confusing it with other words that mean 'bad' or 'wrong,' such as 不对 (bù duì) or 不好 (bù hǎo).

Mistake 1: Using it for 'Incorrect' Answers: If a math problem has the wrong answer, you should use 不对 or 错误 (cuòwù). Saying the answer is 不合理 suggests that the answer itself is logically impossible (like a person weighing negative ten pounds), not just factually wrong.

❌ 你的答案不合理。 (Your answer is unreasonable - usually wrong context.)
✅ 你的答案不对。 (Your answer is incorrect.)

Another frequent error is the omission of the particle 的 (de) when the word is modifying a noun. In English, we can say 'unreasonable price' without any extra words. In Chinese, you must say '不合理的' + '价格'. Skipping the 'de' makes the sentence sound fragmented and ungrammatical to native ears.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the 'De' (的): ❌ 他提出了一个不合理要求。 (He made an unreasonable request - sounds 'off'.)
✅ 他提出了一个不合理的要求。 (He made an unreasonable request - correct.)

一定要记得在名词前加上“的”。 (Always remember to add 'de' before a noun.)

Learners also sometimes confuse 不合理 with 不合群 (bù hé qún). While they look similar, 不合群 means 'unsociable' or 'not fitting in with the crowd.' Using 不合理 to describe a shy person who doesn't like parties would be a major semantic error.

Lastly, be careful with the intensity. Since 不合理 is a relatively strong word, using it for very minor issues might make you sound overly dramatic. If your coffee is slightly too cold, calling it 不合理 is strange. However, if the coffee shop refuses to give you a cup at all after you've paid, then 不合理 is perfectly appropriate.

To truly master Chinese, you need to know when 不合理 (bù hé lǐ) is the best choice and when a synonym might be more precise. Chinese is a language rich in nuance, and several words overlap with 'unreasonable' depending on whether you are talking about law, social behavior, or logic.

1. 不公平 (bù gōng píng) - Unfair: While 不合理 focuses on logic and reason, 不公平 focuses on justice and equity. If two people do the same work but get different pay, it is 不公平. If the pay for both is extremely low compared to the cost of living, it is 不合理.
2. 荒唐 (huāng táng) - Absurd / Ridiculous: This is a much stronger word. If 不合理 is 'unreasonable,' then 荒唐 is 'ludicrous' or 'nonsense.' It implies that the situation is so far from reason that it's almost laughable or shameful.

他的借口简直太荒唐了！ (His excuse is simply too absurd!)

In formal or written contexts, you might encounter 欠妥 (qiàn tuǒ). This is a very polite and sophisticated way to say something is 'not quite right' or 'inappropriate.' It's often used in business emails to suggest that a plan needs more thought without being as blunt as 不合理.

3. 没道理 (méi dào lǐ) - Makes no sense / No reason: This is the informal, spoken version of 不合理. You will hear this in movies and casual conversations. '你说的话没道理' (What you're saying makes no sense/has no reason). It's punchier and more direct.

这件事做得真没道理。 (This thing was done with really no reason/sense.)

By choosing the right word, you signal your level of Mandarin proficiency. Using 不合理 is safe for most situations, but switching to 没道理 with friends or 不公平 when discussing rights will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character '理' (lǐ) originally referred to the veins or patterns in jade. Just as a jade carver must follow the natural veins of the stone, humans are expected to follow the 'veins' of reason and logic in society.

Guide de prononciation

UK /buː hə lɪ/

US /buː hə lɪ/

The emphasis is usually placed on the 'bù' to highlight the negation, or the 'lǐ' to emphasize the lack of reason.

Rime avec

经理 (jīnglǐ) 地理 (dìlǐ) 心理 (xīnlǐ) 这里 (zhèlǐ) 哪里 (nǎlǐ) 公里 (gōnglǐ) 助理 (zhùlǐ) 原理 (yuánlǐ)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'bù' as 4th tone when it should be 2nd (tone sandhi).
Falling into a flat tone for 'lǐ' instead of the dipping 3rd tone.
Confusing the 'h' sound in 'hé' with a 'g' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize '不' and '理'. '合' is also common.

Écriture 3/5

The character '理' has many strokes and requires practice.

Expression orale 2/5

Simple tones, but watch the tone sandhi on 'bù'.

Écoute 2/5

Very common in daily life and news.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

不 (not) 合 (to match) 理 (reason) 很 (very) 的 (particle)

Apprends ensuite

公平 (fair) 逻辑 (logic) 解释 (explain) 要求 (request) 安排 (arrange)

Avancé

荒谬 (absurd) 欠妥 (inappropriate) 体制 (system) 资源分配 (resource allocation)

Grammaire à connaître

Tone Sandhi for '不' (bù)

Before a 4th tone, 'bù' changes to 2nd tone 'bú'. However, in 'bù hé lǐ', 'hé' is 2nd tone, so 'bù' remains 4th tone.

Adjectives as Predicates

Subject + 很 + Adjective. (e.g., 这个价格很不合理。)

The 'de' (的) Particle

Adjective + 的 + Noun. (e.g., 不合理的要求。)

Comparison with '比' (bǐ)

A 比 B 更 + Adjective. (e.g., 他的要求比我的更不合理。)

Double Negatives for Nuance

并非不 + Adjective. (e.g., 并非不合理。)

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Exemples par niveau

这个价格不合理。

This price is unreasonable.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

那太不合理了！

That is too unreasonable!

Using '太...了' for emphasis.

他的要求不合理。

His request is unreasonable.

Subject (noun phrase) + Adjective.

这种做法不合理。

This way of doing things is unreasonable.

Using '这种' (this kind of).

这个规定不合理。

This rule is unreasonable.

Simple noun + adjective.

时间安排不合理。

The time arrangement is unreasonable.

Compound noun subject.

你的话很不合理。

What you said is very unreasonable.

Using '很' as a linker.

我觉得不合理。

I feel it is unreasonable.

Using '觉得' (to feel/think).

这是一个不合理的要求。

This is an unreasonable request.

Using '的' to modify a noun.

他提出了不合理的条件。

He proposed unreasonable conditions.

Verb + Object with '的' modifier.

我们不接受不合理的安排。

We do not accept unreasonable arrangements.

Negative verb + complex object.

这个计划有很多不合理的地方。

There are many unreasonable parts in this plan.

Using '的地方' to mean 'aspects' or 'parts'.

你为什么觉得这不合理？

Why do you think this is unreasonable?

Asking a 'why' question with '为什么'.

这样的收费标准不合理。

Such charging standards are unreasonable.

Using '这样的' (such/this kind of).

我认为他的意见不合理。

I think his opinion is unreasonable.

Using '认为' (to think/consider).

不合理的事情我不做。

I don't do things that are unreasonable.

Topic-comment structure.

由于分配不合理，大家都很不满意。

Because the distribution is unreasonable, everyone is very dissatisfied.

Using '由于...由于' (due to).

这种不合理的现象应该引起重视。

This unreasonable phenomenon should attract attention.

Using '应该' (should) + '引起重视' (attract attention).

他试图改变那些不合理的规定。

He is trying to change those unreasonable regulations.

Verb + '改变' (to change).

合同中的条款显然是不合理的。

The terms in the contract are clearly unreasonable.

Using '显然' (clearly/obviously).

如果不合理，你可以提出异议。

If it is unreasonable, you can raise an objection.

Conditional '如果' (if) sentence.

我们必须纠正这种不合理的做法。

We must correct this unreasonable practice.

Using '必须' (must) + '纠正' (to correct).

这在逻辑上是不合理的。

This is logically unreasonable.

Using '在...上' (in terms of/on).

他抱怨公司的制度很不合理。

He complained that the company's system is very unreasonable.

Using '抱怨' (to complain).

这种不合理的经济结构制约了发展。

This unreasonable economic structure has restricted development.

Formal academic/economic vocabulary.

我们要坚决反对任何不合理的收费。

We must resolutely oppose any unreasonable charges.

Using '坚决反对' (resolutely oppose).

这篇文章指出了社会中不合理的一面。

This article points out the unreasonable side of society.

Using '的一面' (the side/aspect of).

不合理的竞争会导致市场的混乱。

Unreasonable competition will lead to market chaos.

Predictive '会' (will) + '导致' (lead to).

这种解释在科学上是不合理的。

This explanation is scientifically unreasonable.

Formal scientific context.

法律不应该支持这种不合理的诉求。

The law should not support such unreasonable demands.

Legal context with '诉求' (demand/claim).

他指出，目前的资源分配极不合理。

He pointed out that the current resource allocation is extremely unreasonable.

Using '极' (extremely) for formal emphasis.

这种不合理的情绪反应困扰着他。

This unreasonable emotional reaction is troubling him.

Psychological context.

官僚体制中存在着大量不合理的成分。

There are many unreasonable elements within the bureaucratic system.

Using '存在着' (exists/there are).

我们要从根本上解决不合理的体制问题。

We must fundamentally solve the unreasonable systemic issues.

Using '从根本上' (fundamentally).

这种不合理的逻辑推导显然站不住脚。

This unreasonable logical deduction clearly doesn't hold water.

Idiom '站不住脚' (cannot stand up/invalid).

该政策的初衷虽好，但执行过程极不合理。

Although the original intention of the policy was good, the execution process was extremely unreasonable.

Contrastive '虽...但' (although... but) structure.

这种不合理的需求是被市场营销创造出来的。

This unreasonable demand was created by marketing.

Passive voice '被' (by).

我们应当批判那些不合理的传统观念。

We should criticize those unreasonable traditional concepts.

Using '批判' (to criticize/critique).

这种不合理的定价策略损害了消费者的利益。

This unreasonable pricing strategy damaged the interests of consumers.

Business term '损害...利益' (damage interests).

在某些极端情况下，这种行为并非不合理。

In certain extreme cases, this behavior is not necessarily unreasonable.

Double negative '并非不' (not necessarily not).

这种不合理的社会分层是历史遗留问题。

This unreasonable social stratification is a problem left over from history.

Sociological context with '社会分层' (social stratification).

我们要反思这种不合理的现代性逻辑。

We must reflect on this unreasonable logic of modernity.

Philosophical term '现代性' (modernity).

该理论的内核存在着某种逻辑上的不合理性。

There is a certain logical unreasonableness at the core of this theory.

Using '不合理性' (unreasonableness) as a noun.

这种不合理的资源垄断阻碍了社会的整体进步。

This unreasonable monopoly of resources has hindered the overall progress of society.

Political science context.

他深入剖析了这一不合理现象背后的深层动因。

He deeply analyzed the underlying motivations behind this unreasonable phenomenon.

Using '深入剖析' (deeply analyze).

这种不合理的制度设计导致了权力的滥用。

This unreasonable institutional design led to the abuse of power.

Political/Legal critique.

面对不合理的条约，我们必须据理力争。

In the face of unreasonable treaties, we must argue on the basis of reason.

Idiom '据理力争' (to argue strongly on the basis of reason).

这种不合理的审美标准对年轻人产生了负面影响。

This unreasonable aesthetic standard has had a negative impact on young people.

Cultural/Social critique.

Collocations courantes

价格不合理

要求不合理

安排不合理

分配不合理

制度不合理

逻辑不合理

收费不合理

结构不合理

规定不合理

情绪不合理

Phrases Courantes

极为不合理

— Extremely unreasonable. Used for strong emphasis.

这种做法极为不合理。(This practice is extremely unreasonable.)

显而易见的不合理

— Obviously unreasonable. Used when the flaw is clear.

这是显而易见的不合理。(This is obviously unreasonable.)

不合理的现象

— Unreasonable phenomenon. Used in social critique.

我们要消除这些不合理的现象。(We must eliminate these unreasonable phenomena.)

不合理的诉求

— Unreasonable demand/claim. Often used in legal contexts.

法院驳回了其不合理的诉求。(The court rejected its unreasonable claim.)

不合理的负担

— Unreasonable burden. Used for taxes or extra work.

这给企业带来了不合理的负担。(This brought an unreasonable burden to the enterprise.)

不合理的竞争

— Unreasonable competition. Used in business.

不合理的竞争损害了行业。(Unreasonable competition damaged the industry.)

不合理的解释

— Unreasonable explanation. Used when someone is lying or making excuses.

这是一个完全不合理的解释。(This is a completely unreasonable explanation.)

不合理的差异

— Unreasonable difference. Used for pay gaps or treatment.

消除工资中不合理的差异。(Eliminate unreasonable differences in wages.)

不合理的发展

— Unreasonable development. Used for urban sprawl or ecology.

这种不合理的发展方式不可持续。(This unreasonable development mode is unsustainable.)

不合理的规定

— Unreasonable regulations. Common in school or office talk.

我们需要修改不合理的规定。(We need to modify unreasonable regulations.)

Souvent confondu avec

不合理 vs 不合适

Means 'unsuitable' or 'inappropriate' for a specific fit. '不合理' means it lacks logic.

不合理 vs 不公平

Means 'unfair'. Something can be logically reasonable but still unfair (e.g., everyone gets 1 cent).

不合理 vs 不合法

Means 'illegal'. Something can be reasonable but still against the law, or vice-versa.

Expressions idiomatiques

"无理取闹"

— To make trouble without reason or to be willfully unreasonable.

你不要在这里无理取闹！(Don't make trouble here for no reason!)

Informal/Strong

"据理力争"

— To argue strongly on the basis of reason (often against something unreasonable).

面对不合理的安排，他据理力争。(He argued strongly against the unreasonable arrangement.)

Formal/Positive

"伤天害理"

— To do things that offend heaven and reason; atrocious/evil.

他做了很多伤天害理的事情。(He did many atrocious things.)

Very Strong/Literary

"言之成理"

— To speak with reason; to make sense (antonym concept).

他的话虽然奇怪，但言之成理。(His words are strange, but they make sense.)

Formal

"理屈词穷"

— To be at the end of one's tether in an argument because one's reason is weak.

在事实面前，他理屈词穷了。(In the face of facts, he ran out of arguments.)

Formal

"理所当然"

— Of course; as a matter of course (the opposite of 'unreasonable').

这被认为是理所当然的。(This is taken for granted.)

Neutral

"强词夺理"

— To use distorted logic or to argue a weak point with force.

他明明错了，还在那里强词夺理。(He is clearly wrong, yet he is still using distorted logic to argue.)

Negative

"情理之中"

— Within the bounds of reason and human feeling.

他的反应在情理之中。(His reaction was within the bounds of reason.)

Neutral

"不合情理"

— Not in accordance with reason or common sense (very close to 不合理).

这样做有点不合情理。(Doing this is a bit against common sense.)

Neutral

"理直气壮"

— To be bold and confident when one has reason on their side.

他理直气壮地说出了真相。(He told the truth with full confidence.)

Positive

Facile à confondre

不合理 vs 不对

Both can mean 'wrong'.

不对 is for factual errors or general wrongness. 不合理 is specifically about logic and fairness.

你的数学答案不对。(Your math answer is wrong.) vs 这个规则不合理。(This rule is unreasonable.)

不合理 vs 不好

Both express a negative quality.

不好 is generic 'bad'. 不合理 explains *why* it's bad (it doesn't make sense).

这杯咖啡不好喝。(This coffee tastes bad.) vs 咖啡卖100块不合理。(Selling coffee for $100 is unreasonable.)

不合理 vs 无理

Similar characters.

无理 often describes a person's rude attitude or a totally baseless demand. 不合理 is more about the situation or logic.

他态度无理。(He has a rude/reasonless attitude.)

不合理 vs 荒谬

Both mean unreasonable.

荒谬 is much stronger, like 'absurd' or 'ridiculous'. 不合理 is more common and less extreme.

这个理论太荒谬了。(This theory is absurd.)

不合理 vs 不合群

Similar look ('合').

不合群 means 'unsociable'. It has nothing to do with logic.

他有点不合群。(He is a bit unsociable.)

Structures de phrases

[Subject] 不合理。

价格不合理。

这太不合理了！

不合理的 [Noun]

不合理的要求。

我觉得...是不合理的。

我觉得这个规定是不合理的。

由于...不合理，所以...

由于时间安排不合理，所以我们迟到了。

这种不合理的 [Noun] 导致了 [Result]。

这种不合理的分配导致了不满。

并非不合理

这种做法并非不合理。

存在着...不合理性

该制度存在着某种不合理性。

Famille de mots

Noms

合理性 (hélǐxìng - reasonableness)

道理 (dàolǐ - reason/principle)

理性 (lǐxìng - rationality)

Verbes

理解 (lǐjiě - to understand)

理会 (lǐhuì - to pay attention to)

处理 (chǔlǐ - to handle/process)

Adjectifs

合理 (hélǐ - reasonable)

理性 (lǐxìng - rational)

有理 (yǒulǐ - to be in the right)

Apparenté

逻辑 (luójí - logic)

公平 (gōngpíng - fair)

正当 (zhèngdàng - legitimate)

合适 (héshì - suitable)

正常 (zhèngcháng - normal)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily speech, news, and business.

Erreurs courantes

Using '不合理' for a wrong math answer. → 你的答案不对。
Use '不对' for factual errors. Use '不合理' for logical failures.
Saying '不合理要求' without '的'. → 不合理的要求。
Adjectives with two or more syllables usually need '的' when modifying nouns.
Confusing '不合理' with '不合群'. → 他不合群。
'不合群' means unsociable. '不合理' is about logic.
Using '不合理' to mean 'illegal'. → 这是不合法的。
While some unreasonable things are illegal, use '不合法' for specific legal violations.
Overusing it for minor inconveniences. → 太麻烦了 / 不太好。
'不合理' is a strong critique. Don't use it for a slightly cold cup of tea.

Astuces

Use it in Negotiations

When someone gives you a high price, say '价格不合理'. It sounds more professional than just saying 'too expensive'.

The 'De' Rule

Always remember '不合理的' + Noun. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Appeal to Reason

Chinese culture values '理' (reason). Using this word shows you are trying to be logical, which is respected.

Learn the Antonym

Learning '合理' at the same time will double your ability to express opinions.

Casual Alternative

Use '没道理' with friends to sound more natural and less like a textbook.

Tone Sandhi

Practice 'bù hé lǐ'. The 'bù' stays 4th tone because 'hé' is 2nd tone. Don't change it to 2nd tone here!

Formal Essays

In essays, use '不合理的现象' to describe social problems you want to critique.

News Keywords

Listen for this word in news reports about the economy or new laws; it's a key indicator of criticism.

Logical Critique

Use it when an argument doesn't follow its own premises. It's great for debates!

Family Rules

It's a common word for teenagers to use when arguing with parents about curfews!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Bù' as 'No', 'Hé' as 'Harmony', and 'Lǐ' as 'Logic'. If there is 'No Harmony with Logic', it is 'Unreasonable'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. That is '不合理'—it doesn't fit the logic of the shape.

Word Web

Logic Fairness Price Rule Contract Irrational Absurd Negotiation

Défi

Try to find three things today that you find '不合理'—maybe a long line at a store, a confusing sign, or a price. Say '这不合理' to yourself each time.

Origine du mot

The word is composed of three characters: '不' (not), '合' (to match/join), and '理' (reason/logic). It literally means 'not matching reason.'

Sens originel : To not conform to the natural order or logical principles.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese Mandarin).

Contexte culturel

Calling a person's personal feelings '不合理' can be seen as very dismissive or cold, as it prioritizes logic over emotion.

In English, we might say 'That's not fair' or 'That makes no sense.' '不合理' covers both of these bases in a slightly more formal tone.

Neo-Confucianism: The philosophy of '理' (Principle/Reason). Chinese Consumer Rights Day (March 15): A time when many '不合理' business practices are exposed. Legal Reform: Modern Chinese law focuses heavily on removing '不合理' administrative hurdles.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping/Bargaining

价格不合理 (Price is unreasonable)
太贵了，不合理 (Too expensive, unreasonable)
能不能便宜点？ (Can it be cheaper?)
收费标准是什么？ (What is the charging standard?)

Workplace

加班安排不合理 (Overtime arrangement is unreasonable)
工作量不合理 (Workload is unreasonable)
我不接受这个要求 (I don't accept this request)
我们需要讨论一下 (We need to discuss)

School/Education

考试题目不合理 (Exam questions are unreasonable)
作业太多，不合理 (Too much homework, unreasonable)
学校的规定 (School rules)
这不公平 (This is unfair)

Legal/Contracts

条款不合理 (Terms are unreasonable)
违反合同 (Violate contract)
法律保护 (Legal protection)
提出申诉 (File an appeal)

Daily Debates

你没道理 (You have no reason)
逻辑有问题 (Logic has problems)
我不这么认为 (I don't think so)
事实胜于雄辩 (Facts speak louder than words)

Amorces de conversation

"你觉得这个公司的规定合理吗？ (Do you think this company's rules are reasonable?)"

"为什么现在的房价这么不合理？ (Why are current house prices so unreasonable?)"

"如果你遇到不合理的要求，你会怎么办？ (What would you do if you encountered an unreasonable request?)"

"你认为哪些社会现象是不合理的？ (Which social phenomena do you think are unreasonable?)"

"这种时间安排你觉得合理还是不合理？ (Do you think this time arrangement is reasonable or unreasonable?)"

Sujets d'écriture

写一件你觉得不合理的事情，并解释为什么。 (Write about something you find unreasonable and explain why.)

讨论一下你曾经收到的一个不合理的要求。 (Discuss an unreasonable request you once received.)

如果让你改变一个不合理的法律，你会改变哪一个？ (If you could change one unreasonable law, which one would it be?)

描述一个价格不合理的购物经历。 (Describe a shopping experience where the price was unreasonable.)

你认为‘合理’和‘公平’有什么区别？ (What do you think is the difference between 'reasonable' and 'fair'?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Usually, you describe a person's *actions*, *requests*, or *words* as 不合理. If you want to say a person is being difficult or unreasonable in their behavior, you might say '他这个人很不讲理' (He is very unreasonable/doesn't listen to reason).

不合理 is the standard, slightly more formal term. 没道理 is more casual and common in spoken Chinese. They mean the same thing, but 没道理 sounds more like 'it doesn't make sense' in a conversation.

Only if it is modifying a noun directly (e.g., 不合理的要求). If it is at the end of the sentence (e.g., 这个要求不合理), you do not need '的'.

It is moderately strong. It's a serious critique but not an insult. It's used in professional negotiations to show that a proposal is unacceptable based on logic.

Not usually. For a wrong answer, use '不对' (bù duì) or '错误' (cuò wù). Use '不合理' only if the answer is logically impossible.

The opposite is 合理 (hé lǐ), which means reasonable or rational.

Yes, '很不合理' (very unreasonable) is extremely common and perfectly correct.

You can say '这个价格不合理' (This price is unreasonable) or '这是一个不合理的价格' (This is an unreasonable price).

Yes, in many contexts, it implies unfairness, especially when talking about distribution of work or money.

Yes, it's a common legal term to describe terms or actions that lack a rational basis.

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