治 (zhì) - to govern & to rule

治Tone 4

zhì ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 氵

志

治 · zhì

to govern;

to rule;

to administer;

to manage;

to treat (illness);

to cure;

to control;

to harness (rivers);

in good order

to governto ruleto administer

Usage highlights

Govern a countryTreat illnessFlood controlPublic securityRule of lawAdministrative management

Synonyms

  • 理— to manage, to organize
  • 管— to control, to administer
  • 医— to treat, to cure

Antonyms

  • 乱— chaos, disorder
  • 病— illness, sickness

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The government governs the country (治国).
  • The doctor treats the patient (治病).
  • Flood control is important (治水).
  • Public security management (治安).

Collocations

  • Govern a country(治国)
  • Treat illness(治病)
  • Flood control(治水)
  • Public security(治安)
  • Rule of law(法治)
  • Administrative management(治理)

Idioms

  • To govern by non-interference(无为而治)
  • To cure the symptoms but not the root cause(治标不治本)
  • To rule the country and bring peace to the world(治国平天下)
  • To treat a dead horse as if it were still alive(死马当活马治)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Central concept in Chinese political philosophy, emphasizing good governance and social order.
  • Historically associated with water control projects, reflecting ancient Chinese hydraulic engineering achievements.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, represents the holistic approach to healing and maintaining health.

FAQ