想办法

xiǎng bànfǎ
find a way

他总是能想办法解决问题。

He always manages to find a way to solve problems.


neutral

To devise or implement a method to achieve something.

我们需要想办法提高销售额。

We need to find a way to increase sales.

她想办法让孩子们安静下来。

She managed to find a way to quiet the children down.

Often used in problem-solving contexts where a practical solution is required.

Collocations

想出办法come up with a solution想尽办法try every possible way

Related Phrases

有办法phrase
to have a solution
没办法phrase
no way to solve it

Pro Tip

Usage in Context

Use '想办法' when discussing finding solutions to problems. It implies active thinking and effort, unlike passive acceptance.

Gold Rule

Avoid Literal Translation

Do not translate '想办法' word-for-word as 'think method.' Instead, use 'find a way' or 'come up with a solution' to convey the intended meaning.

Word Origin

Composed of '想' (to think) and '办法' (method/way). The phrase emerged in modern Mandarin as a direct expression for problem-solving.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in daily conversation and informal writing. The phrase emphasizes the act of thinking creatively to overcome obstacles.

Word Breakdown

想
to think/to consider
verb
+
办法
method/way/means
noun
汉英词典