处世 (chǔshì) literally combines 处 (chǔ), meaning 'to handle' or 'to deal with', and 世 (shì), meaning 'the world' or 'society'. Together, it refers to how a person behaves, interacts, and manages relationships in social life — essentially, one's conduct or approach to navigating human society. It emphasizes wisdom, adaptability, and ethical awareness in everyday interactions, especially in complex or formal settings like work, family, or community.

This term is often used in discussions about personal development, traditional Chinese philosophy (e.g., Confucianism), and self-cultivation. While it can describe practical behavior (e.g., being tactful or respectful), it also carries a deeper connotation of moral grounding and long-term relational harmony. It’s more formal and reflective than casual terms like 交往 (jiāowǎng, 'to socialize') and appears frequently in essays, advice literature, and mentorship contexts.