置办 (zhì bàn) is a verb meaning 'to purchase (goods or supplies), especially for household use, ceremonies, or special occasions.' The character 置 means 'to place' or 'to set up,' implying acquisition and arrangement; 办 means 'to handle' or 'to manage.' Together, they convey the idea of actively procuring and organizing necessary items—often with intentionality and preparation. It’s commonly used when preparing for events like weddings, Lunar New Year, moving into a new home, or equipping a kitchen.

This word carries a sense of purposeful, often somewhat formal or traditional purchasing—not casual shopping, but acquiring things needed to fulfill a role or meet an occasion’s requirements. It frequently appears in contexts involving planning, budgeting, and collective effort (e.g., family members jointly 置办 wedding items). Unlike generic verbs like 买 (mǎi, 'to buy'), 置办 suggests completeness, suitability, and readiness for use.