具体来说...
Specifically...
Literalmente: Concrete-ly speaking
Use it to transition from a broad statement to clear, actionable, or descriptive details.
En 15 segundos
- Used to transition from a general idea to specific details.
- Equivalent to 'specifically' or 'to be more precise' in English.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual coffee chats.
Significado
Think of this as the 'zoom-in' button for your conversation. You use it when you've just said something general and now you're ready to give the juicy, specific details.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Explaining a diet to a friend
我最近在减肥，具体来说，我不吃晚饭。
I'm losing weight lately; specifically, I don't eat dinner.
In a business meeting
我们需要改进产品，具体来说，是用户界面部分。
We need to improve the product; specifically, the UI part.
Texting about a meetup
明天见个面吧。具体来说，下午三点在老地方见？
Let's meet tomorrow. Specifically, 3 PM at the usual spot?
Contexto cultural
This phrase reflects the logical structure of modern Standard Mandarin, which often moves from the general to the specific. It became particularly popular in professional and academic settings during the 20th century as a way to mirror precise Western-style rhetoric.
The 'Comma' Rule
Always pause after saying `具体来说`. In writing, always put a comma after it. It builds anticipation for the details!
Don't Over-explain
If your first sentence is already specific (e.g., 'I ate a red apple'), don't use this phrase. It's for zooming in, not staying at the same level.
En 15 segundos
- Used to transition from a general idea to specific details.
- Equivalent to 'specifically' or 'to be more precise' in English.
- Works in both professional meetings and casual coffee chats.
What It Means
具体来说 (jùtǐ láishuō) is your best friend when you need to bridge the gap between a big idea and the nitty-gritty facts. It functions exactly like 'specifically' or 'to be more precise' in English. It signals to your listener: 'Okay, I’m done with the vague stuff, here is exactly what I mean.'
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a new sentence or right after a comma. It’s like a pivot point. You make a broad statement first, like 'I want to travel more.' Then you drop 具体来说 and follow up with 'I want to visit Tokyo and Seoul this summer.' It keeps your thoughts organized and makes you sound very logical.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you feel like you’re being too vague. It’s perfect for business meetings when explaining a project. It’s also great for personal life, like when a friend asks why you’re upset. Use it in restaurants to clarify an allergy. It works beautifully in both spoken and written Chinese.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are already being specific. If you say 'I want an apple, specifically an apple,' you’ll sound like a broken record. Also, avoid it in high-speed, emotional arguments where short bursts of words are more natural. It’s a bit too 'structured' for a shouting match.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often starts with the 'big picture' before narrowing down to details. This reflects a holistic worldview. Using 具体来说 shows you are a clear thinker who respects the listener's time. It’s a hallmark of the 'educated' or 'professional' register that emerged in modern Mandarin.
Common Variations
You might hear 具体点说 (jùtǐ diǎn shuō) which is slightly more casual. In very formal writing, you might see 详言之 (xiáng yán zhī). However, 具体来说 is the undisputed king of versatility. It’s the 'Goldilocks' phrase—not too stiff, not too slangy.
Notas de uso
This phrase is incredibly stable across all registers. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you actually provide a specific detail after using it, otherwise, you'll leave your listener hanging.
The 'Comma' Rule
Always pause after saying `具体来说`. In writing, always put a comma after it. It builds anticipation for the details!
Don't Over-explain
If your first sentence is already specific (e.g., 'I ate a red apple'), don't use this phrase. It's for zooming in, not staying at the same level.
The Polite Clarifier
In Chinese culture, being too direct can sometimes be seen as blunt. Using `具体来说` helps soften a critique by making it sound like a logical analysis rather than a personal attack.
Ejemplos
6我最近在减肥，具体来说，我不吃晚饭。
I'm losing weight lately; specifically, I don't eat dinner.
Moves from the goal (weight loss) to the method (no dinner).
我们需要改进产品，具体来说，是用户界面部分。
We need to improve the product; specifically, the UI part.
Narrows down the scope of work for a team.
明天见个面吧。具体来说，下午三点在老地方见？
Let's meet tomorrow. Specifically, 3 PM at the usual spot?
Sets a concrete time after a vague suggestion.
他不爱干净，具体来说，他已经三天没洗碗了！
He's not clean; specifically, he hasn't washed dishes in three days!
Uses specifics to prove a point in a funny way.
我很想你，具体来说，我想和你一起吃火锅。
I miss you; specifically, I want to eat hot pot with you.
Turns a vague emotion into a specific shared memory/desire.
就在附近，具体来说，在银行对面的那栋楼。
It's nearby; specifically, in the building across from the bank.
Provides the exact location after a general area.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to clarify the general statement.
我想去旅游，___，我想去云南看雪山。
The speaker is narrowing down 'travel' to a specific destination (Yunnan).
Complete the sentence in a professional context.
这个计划有问题，___，预算太高了。
The speaker is identifying the specific problem (budget) within the general issue (the plan).
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum of 'Specifically'
Short and punchy for friends
具体点...
Perfect for almost any situation
具体来说...
Academic or legal writing
详言之...
When to use '具体来说'
Ordering Food
I have allergies, specifically peanuts.
Office Meeting
We need more data, specifically sales figures.
Dating
I like movies, specifically horror films.
Giving Directions
It's close, specifically next to the park.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means 'specifically' or 'to be concrete.' Use it when you want to provide more detail about a general statement you just made.
Not at all! It's very common in texts when you're making plans, like saying 具体来说，我们几点见？ (Specifically, what time are we meeting?)
Usually no. You need a general statement first to provide context. It would be weird to walk up to someone and say 'Specifically, I like cats' without prior context.
比如 gives one of many possible examples. 具体来说 implies you are giving the full or exact details of the thing you just mentioned.
Yes, you can say 具体点 (jùtǐ diǎn) which means 'be more specific' or 'more specifically' in casual speech.
Yes, it is excellent for academic writing to transition from a thesis statement to supporting evidence.
Only if you use it in every single sentence. In normal conversation, it sounds like you are organized and clear.
The opposite would be 总的来说 (zǒngde láishuō), which means 'generally speaking' or 'in summary.'
Yes! You can ask someone 能具体来说说吗？ (Can you speak more specifically about that?) if they are being too vague.
It is standard Mandarin used equally across all regions of China, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Frases relacionadas
简单来说
Simply put / To put it simply
总的来说
Generally speaking / All in all
换句话说
In other words
准确地说
To be precise
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis