治理 (zhì lǐ) is a formal, often official or institutional verb meaning 'to govern' or 'to manage', especially in contexts involving authority, systems, or complex problems. The character 治 (zhì) originally meant 'to rule' or 'to cure', carrying connotations of restoring order; 理 (lǐ) means 'to manage', 'to organize', or 'to reason'. Together, they emphasize systematic, responsible handling—often by governments, organizations, or experts—to resolve issues like pollution, urban development, or social challenges.

This word appears frequently in policy documents, news reports, and academic discussions. It implies long-term, structured effort rather than quick fixes—e.g., governing a river system to prevent flooding, or managing public health crises. While it can describe managing abstract problems (e.g., data governance), it rarely refers to personal or casual situations (you wouldn’t say 治理 my homework). Its tone is serious and authoritative, making it unsuitable for informal speech.