In 15 Seconds
- 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.
Meaning
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.
Key Examples
3 of 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?
Cultural Background
Used frequently in formal business and academic settings to show logical thinking. Usage is similar to the mainland, but sometimes '具體而言' is preferred in formal writing. In professional Cantonese-speaking environments, this is often used in written reports. Common in formal education and business, reflecting the standard Mandarin curriculum.
The Comma Rule
Always pause after '具体来说' to let the listener prepare for the detail.
Professionalism
Using this phrase makes you sound more organized and professional in Chinese.
In 15 Seconds
- 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.
Usage Notes
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 '具体来说' to let the listener prepare for the detail.
Professionalism
Using this phrase makes you sound more organized and professional in Chinese.
Examples
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.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
这个方案很好。____，它能帮我们省钱。
The second sentence provides a specific detail about why the plan is good.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
A: 具体来说，我饿了。 B: 我饿了。具体来说，我想吃面。
The phrase must follow a general statement.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 我们的产品有问题。 B: ____，哪里有问题？
B is asking for specific details about the problem.
Match the situation to the best response.
You are in a meeting and need to clarify a point.
This is the standard way to introduce clarification.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises这个方案很好。____，它能帮我们省钱。
The second sentence provides a specific detail about why the plan is good.
A: 具体来说，我饿了。 B: 我饿了。具体来说，我想吃面。
The phrase must follow a general statement.
A: 我们的产品有问题。 B: ____，哪里有问题？
B is asking for specific details about the problem.
You are in a meeting and need to clarify a point.
This is the standard way to introduce clarification.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is almost always at the beginning.
No, it is very polite and professional.
It sounds a bit stiff, but not wrong.
Then don't use it; it will confuse the listener.
Yes, it functions similarly.
Yes, for clarity.
Yes, it is excellent for emails.
Yes, '具体而言' is a great alternative.
The 'ü' sound is the only tricky part.
Yes, it helps the audience follow your logic.
Related Phrases
具体而言
synonymConcretely speaking
简单来说
contrastSimply put
确切地说
similarTo be precise
说白了
contrastTo put it plainly
