情形

• Pinyin: qíng xing
• Hanzi breakdown: 情 = 忄+ 青, situation; 形 = 开 + 彡, form/shape

Meaning

Situation; circumstances; state of affairs. The condition or circumstances of something.

Similar to 情况 but slightly more formal. Often used in: 这种情形 (this kind of situation), 根据情形 (depending on circumstances). More common in written Chinese.

Examples

1. 根据目前的情形，项目可能会延期。 Based on the current situation, the project may be delayed.
2. 他详细描述了当时的情形。 He described the circumstances at the time in detail.
3. 在这种情形下，我们必须做出选择。 Under these circumstances, we must make a choice.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, report, description

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 根据具体情形而定。(Depends on the specific circumstances.)
• 情形有所改善。(The situation has improved.)

Don't Say

• 你的情形怎么样？(For asking how someone is, use 情况 or simply 怎么样 — 情形 is less personal)

Origin & History

情 (qíng, situation/feeling) + 形 (xíng, form/appearance). The form/appearance of a situation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal