局势

• Pinyin: jú shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 局 = 尸 + 句 (configuration/situation); 势 = 执 + 力 (momentum/power)

Meaning

Situation; state of affairs. The current condition of a complex political, military, or diplomatic scenario.

Frequently used in news and political discourse to describe how circumstances are developing. More specific to evolving situations than 形势, which is broader. Common in official statements and analytical reports.

Examples

1. 国际局势的急剧变化令各国政府高度警惕。 The rapid changes in the international situation have put governments on high alert.
2. 分析人士认为目前的局势对双边谈判颇为有利。 Analysts believe the current situation is quite favorable for bilateral negotiations.
3. 随着冲突不断升级，当地局势愈发复杂而紧张。 As the conflict continues to escalate, the local situation is becoming increasingly complex and tense.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, news, diplomacy

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 外交部发言人就当前局势向媒体发表了正式声明。(The Foreign Ministry spokesperson made a formal statement to the media on the current situation.)
• 随着双方展开对话，紧张局势逐渐趋于缓和。(As both sides opened dialogue, the tense situation gradually began to ease.)

Don't Say

• 公司局势不好 — use 公司形势不好 or 公司状况不佳 for general business conditions; 局势 is reserved for political or military contexts

Origin & History

局 (pattern/situation) + 势 (momentum/trend)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal