B2 Expression Formal 3 min de leitura

在特定情况下

Under specific circumstances

Literalmente: At specific circumstances under

Use this phrase to introduce exceptions or conditions in a professional and logical way.

Em 15 segundos

  • Used to specify that a rule only applies sometimes.
  • Best for professional, logical, or explanatory contexts.
  • Acts as a 'frame' at the start of a sentence.

Significado

This phrase is used to describe something that only happens or is true when a very specific set of conditions are met. It's like saying 'it depends,' but with a more professional and precise focus on the environment or context.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Explaining a company refund policy

在特定情况下,我们可以为您办理全额退款。

Under specific circumstances, we can process a full refund for you.

💼
2

Talking about eating habits with a friend

在特定情况下,比如过年,我也会吃点甜食。

Under specific circumstances, like Chinese New Year, I'll eat some sweets.

😄
3

Discussing work-from-home rules

在特定情况下,员工可以申请居家办公。

Under specific circumstances, employees can apply to work from home.

💼
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase reflects the importance of 'context' in East Asian communication styles. Historically, Chinese social rules were highly dependent on hierarchy and specific settings, rather than universal laws. This expression has become a staple in modern legal and business Chinese as the language adapted to international professional standards.

💡

Sound like a Pro

Use this phrase in job interviews when asked about how you handle stress. It shows you think analytically about different scenarios.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this for every sentence, you'll sound like you're reading a manual. Save it for when you actually have a specific condition in mind.

Em 15 segundos

  • Used to specify that a rule only applies sometimes.
  • Best for professional, logical, or explanatory contexts.
  • Acts as a 'frame' at the start of a sentence.

What It Means

Think of 在特定情况下 as your linguistic 'fine print.' It tells your listener that what you are about to say isn't a universal rule. It only applies when the stars align in a certain way. It’s the difference between saying 'I don't eat meat' and 'I don't eat meat unless it's my grandma's cooking.' It adds a layer of precision and logic to your speech. You are setting boundaries for your statements.

How To Use It

You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a frame for the rest of your thought. The structure is simple: 在特定情况下 + [the thing that happens]. You can also tuck it into the middle of a sentence to add nuance. For example, 'We can offer a discount 在特定情况下.' It sounds smart and well-thought-out. Just don't use it to describe your basic daily habits.

When To Use It

This is a superstar phrase in professional settings. Use it during business negotiations to discuss exceptions. It’s perfect for explaining complex rules or legal terms. You’ll also hear it in academic lectures or news reports. Even in daily life, use it when you want to sound more objective. For instance, explaining why you might stay up late. It makes your excuses sound like a well-reasoned policy decision!

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase for very simple, everyday 'if' scenarios. If you're just saying 'If it rains, I'll stay home,' this phrase is way too heavy. Using it with your best friend while deciding on a movie might make you sound like a lawyer. Don't use it for things that happen frequently or randomly. For those, just use 有时候 (sometimes) or 如果 (if). Keep it for the truly 'specific' stuff.

Cultural Background

Chinese communication is often 'high-context.' This means the meaning depends heavily on the situation and the relationship between people. 在特定情况下 is a formal way to acknowledge this cultural reality. It allows for flexibility without being vague. It’s a polite way to say 'no' or 'maybe' without being blunt. In a culture that values 'saving face,' this phrase provides a safe middle ground for negotiation.

Common Variations

You might hear 在某些情况下 (in some circumstances) which is slightly broader. Another one is 视情况而定 (it depends on the situation), which is more idiomatic. If you want to be even more formal, try 在特殊情况下 (under special circumstances). Each one shifts the 'vibe' slightly, but 在特定情况下 remains the most balanced and professional choice for B2 learners.

Notas de uso

This is a neutral-to-formal expression. It is highly effective in business and academic writing but should be used sparingly in casual conversation to avoid sounding stiff.

💡

Sound like a Pro

Use this phrase in job interviews when asked about how you handle stress. It shows you think analytically about different scenarios.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this for every sentence, you'll sound like you're reading a manual. Save it for when you actually have a specific condition in mind.

💬

The Art of the 'Maybe'

In China, being too direct can be rude. This phrase is a polite way to avoid a hard 'No' while keeping your options open.

Exemplos

6
#1 Explaining a company refund policy
💼

在特定情况下,我们可以为您办理全额退款。

Under specific circumstances, we can process a full refund for you.

This sounds professional and sets a clear boundary for the customer.

#2 Talking about eating habits with a friend
😄

在特定情况下,比如过年,我也会吃点甜食。

Under specific circumstances, like Chinese New Year, I'll eat some sweets.

Using a formal phrase for a personal habit adds a touch of humorous self-importance.

#3 Discussing work-from-home rules
💼

在特定情况下,员工可以申请居家办公。

Under specific circumstances, employees can apply to work from home.

Standard office terminology for policies.

#4 Texting a friend about a party
😊

在特定情况下(比如有帅哥),我肯定会去!

Under specific circumstances (like if there are cute guys), I'll definitely go!

The formal phrase contrasts with the informal parenthetical for comedic effect.

#5 Discussing a sensitive emotional topic
💭

在特定情况下,谎言也是一种保护。

Under specific circumstances, a lie can also be a form of protection.

Adds a philosophical and serious tone to the conversation.

#6 Talking about traffic rules
👔

在特定情况下,车辆可以右转。

Under specific circumstances, vehicles are allowed to turn right.

Typical language found in driving manuals or official signs.

Teste-se

Choose the correct phrase to complete the professional policy statement.

___,公司会通过邮件通知全体员工。

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: 在特定情况下

`在特定情况下` is the most appropriate for a formal company notification regarding specific events.

Which word correctly completes the structure '在特定___下'?

在特定___下,这个规则不适用。

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: 情况

`情况` (circumstances/situation) is the standard noun used in this fixed expression.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality Spectrum of 'It Depends'

Casual

看情况 (Kàn qíngkuàng)

Go to the party? Depends.

Neutral

有时候 (Yǒu shíhòu)

Sometimes I work late.

Formal

在特定情况下

Under specific circumstances, we allow exceptions.

Very Formal

视具体情况而定

Subject to specific conditions as determined.

Where to use '在特定情况下'

在特定情况下
⚖️

Legal Contracts

Termination clauses

🏢

Office Policy

Overtime or WFH rules

🧪

Scientific Facts

Chemical reactions

🥗

Personal Boundaries

Dietary exceptions

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

特定 (tèdìng) means 'specific' or 'designated.' It implies something has been clearly defined or singled out from others.

Usually, yes. However, you can use it jokingly with friends to sound overly serious about something trivial, like 在特定情况下,我会洗碗 (Under specific circumstances, I will do the dishes).

No, the (xià) is essential here. It functions like the English 'under' in 'under these conditions.' Without it, the phrase feels incomplete.

特定 means specific/given, while 特殊 (tèshū) means special/unusual. Use 特定 for defined conditions and 特殊 for rare or weird ones.

It almost always goes at the beginning of the sentence or immediately after the subject. For example: 在特定情况下,我不吃辣 or 我不吃辣,但在特定情况下除外.

In casual speech, people just say 看情况 (kàn qíngkuàng), which means 'it depends.' It's much faster and more common in daily life.

Not necessarily rare, just clearly defined. It could be a common circumstance, as long as it is a specific one.

Absolutely! It is a very common phrase in academic writing to limit the scope of a theory or observation.

You could say 在任何情况下 (zài rènhé qíngkuàng xià), which means 'under any circumstances' or 'no matter what.'

It can. If someone asks why you broke a rule, starting with this phrase can sound like you're making a calculated excuse.

Frases relacionadas

视情况而定

It depends on the situation

在某些情况下

In some cases

特殊情况

Special circumstances

具体问题具体分析

Analyze specific problems specifically (idiom)

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