The words 状况 (zhuàngkuàng), 情况 (qíngkuàng), and 状态 (zhuàngtài) can all be translated to “condition” or “state” in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts.
状况 (zhuàngkuàng)
It emphasizes the situation of people or things in the process of change and development. It implies an evaluation or observation of how things are.
e.g.
他的健康状况很好。 (Tā de jiànkāng zhuàngkuàng hěn hǎo.) His health condition is very good.
现在很多人的经济状况都比较紧张。(Xiànzài hěnduō rén de jīngjì zhuàngkuàng dōu bǐjiào jǐnzhāng.) Currently, the financial situation of many people is quite tight.
他的身体状况怎么样？(Tā de shēntǐ zhuàngkuàng zěnme yàng?) How is his physical condition?
状态 (zhuàngtài)
It indicates the appearance that people or things present.
状态 is used to talk about temporary or changeable states, such as mood, readiness, or physical appearance. It can also describe abstract states, like the state of the economy.
e.g.
他今天的工作状态不是很好。 (Tā jīntiān de gōngzuò zhuàngtài bù shì hěn hǎo.) His work state isn’t very good today.
车祸的人还处于昏迷状态。(Chēhuò de rén hái chǔ yú hūnmí zhuàngtài.) The person from the car accident is still in a comatose state.
这个国家进入了战争状态。(Zhège guójiā jìnrùle zhànzhēng zhuàngtài.) This country has entered a state of war.
情况 (qíngkuàng)
It emphasizes the overall state and development trend of things, or remarkable change.
情况 is versatile and can describe any kind of situation, whether it’s physical, social, economic, or otherwise. It’s often used to inquire about or report on specific details or developments in a given context. It is more general than 状况 and is used in a wide range of contexts.
e.g.
你能告诉我会议的具体情况吗？ (Nǐ néng gàosù wǒ huìyì de jùtǐ qíngkuàng ma?) Can you tell me the specific circumstances of the meeting?
国外的情况跟国内不同，不能混为一谈。(Guówài de qíngkuàng gēn guónèi bùtóng, bùnéng hùn wéi yī tán.) The situation abroad is different from the domestic one; they cannot be conflated.
一切正常，没什么新情况。(Yīqiè zhèngcháng, méi shénme xīn qíngkuàng.) Everything is normal; there’s nothing new.
有情况及时告知。(Yǒu qíngkuàng jíshí gàozhī.) Please inform us promptly if there’s any situation.
Exercise
