场合

• Pinyin: chǎng hé
• Hanzi breakdown: 场 = simplified from 場, 土 (earth) + 昜 (expand); 合 = 亼 (lid) + 口 (mouth), meaning to close/fit together

Meaning

Occasion; situation; setting. A particular time, place, or set of circumstances.

Refers to social situations or contexts where certain behaviour or attire is expected. Common in phrases like 正式场合 (formal occasion), 公共场合 (public setting), and 社交场合 (social occasion). Often used to discuss appropriate behaviour.

Examples

1. 在正式场合，你应该穿得正式一些。 On formal occasions, you should dress more formally.
2. 他在任何场合都表现得很有礼貌。 He behaves very politely in any situation.
3. 公共场合不应该大声说话。 You should not speak loudly in public settings.

Usage Guide

Context: social, etiquette, work

Tone: advisory

Do Say

• 这种场合应该注意自己的言行。(You should pay attention to your words and behaviour on such occasions.)
• 不同的场合需要不同的穿着。(Different occasions call for different attire.)

Don't Say

• 做饭的场合 (Don't use 场合 for everyday activities at home — it implies social or public situations; say 做饭的时候 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 场 (field, open space, occasion) and 合 (to fit, to match), together referring to a fitting or appropriate context.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal