妥善

tuǒ shàn

appropriate; proper

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 妥善 (tuǒshàn) means 'appropriate' or 'proper' with an emphasis on careful, secure, and well-managed handling of matters. It often describes how something is dealt with in a responsible and effective way.

Common Contexts

妥善 is frequently used in formal or official contexts, such as handling complaints, managing documents, or organizing important tasks. It implies not just adequacy but thoroughness and reliability.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 妥善处理 (tuǒshàn chǔlǐ): properly handle or deal with; used when referring to managing problems or tasks carefully.
  • 妥善保管 (tuǒshàn bǎoguǎn): properly keep or safeguard; common with important items like documents or valuables.
  • 妥善安排 (tuǒshàn ānpái): properly arrange or organize; often used in planning or logistics.

Nuances

Using 妥善 suggests a higher standard than just 'okay' or 'sufficient.' It conveys that the speaker expects or acknowledges careful attention and responsibility. It is more formal and less casual than words like 合适 (héshì) or (shìdàng).

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 妥善 with simply 'suitable' or 'fit' (like 适合). 妥善 focuses on the quality of handling or management, not just appropriateness in a general sense.

Example Sentences

公司妥善处理了客户的投诉,保证了服务质量。

Gōngsī tuǒshàn chǔlǐle kèhù de tóusù, bǎozhèngle fúwù zhìliàng.

The company properly handled the customer's complaint and ensured service

请妥善保管好你的身份证和护照。

Qǐng tuǒshàn bǎoguǎn hǎo nǐ de shēnfènzhèng hé hùzhào.

Please properly keep your ID card and passport safe.

政府需要妥善安排灾区的救援工作。

Zhèngfǔ xūyào tuǒshàn ānpái zāiqū de jiùyuán gōngzuò.

The government needs to properly arrange the rescue work in the disaster