修理 (xiū lǐ) is a compound verb meaning 'to repair' or 'to fix' something that is broken, damaged, or not working properly. The first character 修 (xiū) originally means 'to cultivate' or 'to improve', and in this context carries the sense of 'to restore to proper condition'. The second character 理 (lǐ) means 'to manage', 'to organize', or 'to handle', reinforcing the idea of restoring order or function. Together, they form a common, neutral-term verb used for physical repairs — especially of machines, electronics, vehicles, furniture, or household items.

This word is widely used in everyday spoken and written Chinese, often with objects like 电脑 (diànnǎo, computer), 自行车 (zìxíngchē, bicycle), or 空调 (kōngtiáo, air conditioner). It implies deliberate, skilled work — not just a quick fix — and is typically transitive, requiring an object (e.g., 修理手机). Unlike more formal terms like 维修 (wéixiū), 修理 is accessible and commonly heard in conversations, service notices, and DIY contexts.