The present invention discloses a directory management method for a file system and a client. The method comprises: a client acquiring a locally recorded used space size of a directory; the client determining whether the acquired used space size of the directory is smaller than a quota value of the directory; and when the used space size of the directory is smaller than the quota value of the directory, the client performing a corresponding file operation in the directory. According to the directory management method for the file system and the client, the purposes of shortening data writing delay and improving user experience are achieved.