合情合理

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: hé qíng hé lǐ
• English Translation: Fair and reasonable (matching both heart and mind)
• Idiom Composition: 「合」（To match, fit, or conform to.）＋「情」（Human feelings, circumstances, or the 'heart' of a matter.）＋「合」（To match, fit, or conform to.）＋「理」（Reason, logic, or the 'mind' of a matter.）
• Meaning: Describes actions, words, or situations that conform to both human feelings (common sense and empathy) and logic (principles and reason). It is a positive or neutral evaluation for something that is perfectly justifiable and acceptable to everyone involved.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「合情合理」 contains the following nuances:

• The Balance of Heart and Mind: This idiom emphasizes a balance. It is not just about being logically correct (理 - lǐ), but also about taking the other person's feelings and the specific human context (情 - qíng) into account.
• High Acceptability: Because it is unbiased and fair, it suggests a solution or argument that all parties involved can easily accept without feeling wronged.

3. Usage

「合情合理」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Evaluating requests or proposals: Used to affirm that someone's request or suggestion is appropriate and not excessive.
  • Example:「虽然他的要求有点高，但在当时的情况下也是合情合理的。」
    （Although his request was a bit high, it was fair and reasonable under the circumstances at the time.）
• Basis for inference or judgment: Used to explain that a certain conclusion or speculation is logical and not far-fetched.
  • Example:「根据现有的证据，警方的推测是完全合情合理的。」
    （Based on the existing evidence, the police's speculation is completely logical and sensible.）
• Fairness of prices or costs: Used to indicate that a price or cost is within a reasonable and fair range.
  • Example:「这家餐厅不仅味道好，价格也合情合理。」
    （This restaurant not only tastes good, but the prices are also fair and reasonable.）

Additional Examples:

1. 我们要制定一个既符合公司利益，又对员工合情合理的制度。
   （We must establish a system that both meets the company's interests and is fair and reasonable for the employees.）
2. 对于迟到的原因，他给出了一个合情合理的解释。
   （He gave a perfectly reasonable explanation for why he was late.）
3. 只要你的批评合情合理，我就愿意接受。
   （As long as your criticism is fair and reasonable, I am willing to accept it.）
4. 解决纠纷时，必须做到合情合理，才能让人心服口服。
   （When resolving disputes, one must be fair and reasonable to truly win people over.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The Concept of 情 (qíng) and 理 (lǐ): In Chinese culture, 'human feeling' (情 - qíng) and 'reason/law' (理 - lǐ) are not seen as opposing forces but as two pillars that should ideally be in harmony. A decision that is logical but heartless is often seen as incomplete or even cruel.
• Frequency of Use: This is a high-frequency idiom used in everything from daily conversations and business negotiations to formal legal or political discussions.
• A Tool for Persuasion: In negotiations, using the phrase 合情合理 (hé qíng hé lǐ) is a powerful way to signal that your position is balanced and respects the other party's perspective as much as the objective facts.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 入情入理 (rù qíng rù lǐ): Deeply conforming to both emotion and reason; often used to describe an argument that is exceptionally well-reasoned and persuasive.
  • 通情达理 (tōng qíng dá lǐ): Understanding and reasonable; usually used to praise a person's character or attitude for being sensible and empathetic.
  • 理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán): It is natural and right for something to happen or be the case.link
  • 天经地义 (tiān jīng dì yì): Something that is perfectly justified and unalterable.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 岂有此理 (qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ): How can this be? (Preposterous); used to express outrage at something completely unreasonable or outrageous.link
  • 不可理喻 (bù kě lǐ yù): Impossible to reason with; describes a person or situation that is stubborn, irrational, or beyond logical explanation.
  • 无理取闹 (wú lǐ qǔ nào): To make trouble without reason or to create a disturbance out of nothing.link

6. Summary

合情合理 (hé qíng hé lǐ) is a common idiom used to describe something that is both logical and humane. Whether it is a request, an explanation, a price, or a solution, if it is called 合情合理 (hé qíng hé lǐ), it means it 'makes sense' on every level. It highlights a balance where neither cold logic nor irrational emotion takes over, making it a key concept in Chinese social harmony.