Definition
形势 (xíngshì) refers to the overall situation or circumstances, often in a broad, strategic sense (e.g., political, economic, military). It also means 'terrain' in a military/geographical context. 情景 (qíngjǐng) is more concrete — a specific scene or sight; 情形 (qíngxing) focuses on how things are unfolding. 地形 (dìxíng) and 地势 (dìshì) are purely geographical terms for terrain and topography, without the 'situation' sense.
noun
situationcircumstancesterrainstrategic lay of the land
Measure word · 个
Easily confused
- 形式xíng shìsound-alikeform; outer appearance (as opposed to content)
- 刑事xíng shìsound-alikecriminal (attributive), penal
- 行驶xíng shǐsound-aliketo travel along a route (of vehicles)
- 姓氏xìng shìsound-alikefamily name; surname
- 行使xíng shǐsound-aliketo exercise (a right, power, authority, etc.)
Examples
- 形势。Mùqián de xíng shì duì wǒmen hěn yǒulì.The current situation is very favorable for us.
- 形势。Jūnduì zǐxì yánjiū le dāngdì de xíng shì.The army carefully studied the local terrain.
- 形势。Tā fēnxī le guójì xíng shì.He analyzed the international situation.
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