整理 (zhěng lǐ) is a verb meaning 'to organize' or 'to tidy up'—it implies arranging things systematically so they are neat, orderly, and easy to access. The character 整 (zhěng) conveys 'complete', 'entire', or 'well-ordered', while 理 (lǐ) means 'to manage', 'to handle', or 'to reason'. Together, they suggest restoring order by sorting, categorizing, and putting things in their proper place—not just surface-level cleaning, but thoughtful arrangement. It’s commonly used for physical spaces (e.g., desks, closets), digital files, documents, or even abstract matters like thoughts or plans.

This word carries a neutral-to-formal register and is widely used in daily life, education, and workplace contexts. Unlike casual terms like 收拾 (shōu shi), which can imply quick cleanup or even scolding, 整理 emphasizes intentionality and method. It often appears in compound verbs like 整理房间 (tidy the room) or 整理资料 (organize materials), and frequently takes an object (e.g., 整理书架). It can also be used reflexively with 自己 (zìjǐ) — e.g., 整理自己 — meaning 'to get oneself together' mentally or emotionally.