管理 (guǎn lǐ) is a compound verb meaning 'to manage' or 'to administer'—referring to the act of organizing, directing, and overseeing people, resources, systems, or processes. The first character 管 (guǎn) originally meant 'to control' or 'to oversee,' like a pipe regulating flow; the second character 理 (lǐ) means 'to organize,' 'to regulate,' or 'to handle logically.' Together, they emphasize systematic, responsible oversight—not just casual handling but structured coordination.

This word appears frequently in formal, professional, and institutional contexts: managing teams, projects, companies, schools, or even personal affairs like time or finances. It's commonly used as a verb ('我们管理这个项目') or as a noun meaning 'management' ('公司需要优秀的管理'). While it can describe everyday tasks (e.g., managing household chores), it carries a connotation of authority, planning, and accountability—not mere execution.