情有可原...
Understandable...
Literalmente: Emotion/Circumstances (情) have (有) possibility (可) for forgiveness/original reason (原).
Use this to show you understand the 'why' behind someone's mistake, making you appear empathetic and wise.
En 15 segundos
- Used to excuse a mistake based on the surrounding circumstances.
- Combines logic with empathy to soften a judgment.
- Perfect for workplace mishaps or social flakes due to stress.
Significado
It means that while someone did something wrong, you can understand why they did it because of the circumstances. It is like saying 'their actions are excusable' or 'it’s understandable given the situation.'
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6A colleague is late because of a massive traffic jam.
他今天迟到是因为路上堵车，情有可原。
He was late today because of a traffic jam; it's understandable.
A friend forgot your birthday because they were moving house.
你最近搬家太忙了，忘了我生日也情有可原。
You've been so busy moving; it's excusable that you forgot my birthday.
A student falls asleep in class after working a night shift.
他打工到半夜，课上睡着了也是情有可原。
He worked until midnight, so falling asleep in class is understandable.
Contexto cultural
This Chengyu (four-character idiom) reflects the traditional Chinese legal and social emphasis on 'Renqing' (human sentiment). Historically, judges would use this concept to lighten sentences if the motive was rooted in filial piety or extreme hardship. It remains popular today because it balances strict rules with social harmony.
The 'But' Strategy
Pair this with `虽然` (although) or `但是` (but). For example: 'Although he failed, his reasons are `情有可原`.' It makes your logic sound very balanced.
Don't Over-Excuse
If you use this for yourself too much (`我情有可原`), it sounds like you are dodging responsibility. Use it mostly for others to show your big heart.
En 15 segundos
- Used to excuse a mistake based on the surrounding circumstances.
- Combines logic with empathy to soften a judgment.
- Perfect for workplace mishaps or social flakes due to stress.
What It Means
情有可原 is your go-to phrase for showing empathy. It suggests that a mistake wasn't made out of malice. You are acknowledging that the situation forced someone's hand. It bridges the gap between 'you messed up' and 'I get it.' Think of it as a verbal hug for a stressed friend.
How To Use It
You usually place it at the end of a sentence. Or use it to respond to an explanation. It works perfectly after a 'but' (但是). For example: 'He was late, but it is 情有可原.' You are judging the motive, not just the result. It’s a very human way to speak.
When To Use It
Use it when a colleague misses a deadline due to family issues. Use it when a friend cancels plans because they are exhausted. It’s great for de-escalating tension in a professional setting. Even in traffic court, this phrase might save your skin! It shows you are a reasonable and compassionate person.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for serious crimes or intentional betrayal. If someone steals your lunch just for fun, that is NOT 情有可原. Avoid using it if you are actually very angry. It sounds too forgiving for a heated argument. Also, don't use it for your own mistakes too often. It can sound like you are making excuses.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from ancient Chinese legal philosophy. Traditional Chinese culture values 'Reason' (理), 'Law' (法), and 'Sentiment' (情). 情有可原 emphasizes the 'Sentiment' part of the trio. It reflects the Confucian idea of being kind to others. It shows that rules shouldn't be colder than human hearts.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 可以理解 (can understand). That is the plain, modern version of this idiom. Another one is 事出有因, meaning 'things happen for a reason.' But 情有可原 is much more elegant. It adds a touch of sophistication to your Chinese. It makes you sound like a true scholar of human nature.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral-to-formal but very common in daily life. It functions as a predicate or a standalone comment. Avoid using it for your own major blunders to avoid sounding arrogant.
The 'But' Strategy
Pair this with `虽然` (although) or `但是` (but). For example: 'Although he failed, his reasons are `情有可原`.' It makes your logic sound very balanced.
Don't Over-Excuse
If you use this for yourself too much (`我情有可原`), it sounds like you are dodging responsibility. Use it mostly for others to show your big heart.
The 'Qing' Secret
In Chinese, `情` (Qing) isn't just emotion; it's the 'human facts' of a case. Using this phrase shows you understand the complex social fabric of China.
Ejemplos
6他今天迟到是因为路上堵车，情有可原。
He was late today because of a traffic jam; it's understandable.
A classic use in a professional but kind environment.
你最近搬家太忙了，忘了我生日也情有可原。
You've been so busy moving; it's excusable that you forgot my birthday.
Softens the blow of a social disappointment.
他打工到半夜，课上睡着了也是情有可原。
He worked until midnight, so falling asleep in class is understandable.
Shows the speaker sees the struggle behind the action.
小狗太饿了把作业吃了，真是情有可原啊！
The puppy was so hungry he ate the homework; it's totally excusable!
Using a serious idiom for a silly situation creates humor.
没关系，你要加班，情有可原。
No worries, you have to work overtime, it's understandable.
Short, punchy, and reassuring via text.
餐厅今天人太多了，服务员忙中出错也情有可原。
The restaurant is too crowded today; it's excusable for the waiter to make a mistake.
Displays patience and high emotional intelligence.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence showing empathy.
他因为生病没参加考试，这是___。
Since he was sick, missing the exam is an excusable situation, which fits '情有可原'.
Which response is most appropriate when a friend apologizes for a minor mistake caused by stress?
对不起，我最近压力太大，脾气不好。 回复：没关系，___。
The friend is explaining their stress, so '情有可原' acknowledges their circumstances kindly.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Understandable'
可以理解 (Kěyǐ lǐjiě)
I get it.
情有可原 (Qíng yǒu kě yuán)
It is excusable given the situation.
尚属可原 (Shàng shǔ kě yuán)
It remains within the realm of the excusable.
When to say 情有可原
Work Mistake
Late due to rain
Social Flake
Sick last minute
Family Issue
Emergency at home
Honest Error
Confusing a date
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot at all! While it's an idiom, it's very common in daily speech. It sounds more sincere than just saying 'it's okay.'
Usually no. It is for mistakes or minor lapses. Using it for something terrible would sound like you are downplaying the harm.
可以理解 means 'can understand.' 情有可原 specifically implies that there is a 'reason' (原) that makes the mistake 'excusable.'
You can say 不可原谅 (unforgivable) or 不可理喻 (unreasonable/impossible to talk to).
It's used equally in both. You'll see it in news reports and hear it in TV dramas when characters are reconciling.
No, it's strictly for human actions. 情 refers to human sentiment/circumstances.
Mostly, yes. It signals that you are moving past the mistake because you understand the cause.
Yes, it’s a very professional way to accept an apology from a client or partner without sounding weak.
In this context, it means 'to forgive' or 'to probe the original cause.' It's the same 原 as in 原谅 (forgive).
Not a direct slang version, but young people might just say '行吧，懂你' (Alright, I get you).
Frases relacionadas
可以理解
Understandable / Can be understood
事出有因
Everything happens for a reason
无可厚非
Not much room for criticism / Understandable
大有可为
Has a lot of potential (often confused by beginners due to the '有可' structure)
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