好转

Think of it as a verb that describes a change in state. You usually place the subject (like health or weather) first. For example, 病情好转 (the illness is improving). You don't usually use it for small things like a broken pencil. Use it for things that actually have a 'trend' or a 'condition.' It is simple, clean, and very common in both speech and writing.

You’ll use this most often in a hospital or when checking on a sick friend. It sounds caring and observant. It is also perfect for professional settings. If your company’s sales were down but are rising again, 好转 is your best friend. Use it when you want to sound hopeful but realistic. It’s the 'light at the end of the tunnel' word.

Don't use it to describe your skills. You wouldn't say your Chinese is 好转. For skills, use 提高 (improve/increase). Also, avoid using it for sudden, one-off good luck. If you find five dollars on the ground, that's not a 好转. It’s for processes that were previously bad or declining. Don't use it if things were already great and just got slightly better.

In Chinese culture, balance and cycles are everything. The word 转 (turn) implies that life is a series of cycles. When you say things are 'turning good,' you are acknowledging that a low point has passed. It reflects a stoic but optimistic worldview. It’s a very polite way to show you’ve been paying attention to someone’s struggles.

You might hear 有好转 which means 'to have improvement.' If you want to be more formal, you can say 明显好转 (noticeable improvement). In casual texts, people might just say 好多了 (much better). But 好转 remains the most versatile bridge between casual chat and official reports. It’s the Swiss Army knife of 'getting better.'