adverbial phrase HSK 5
Traditional 具體來說
specifically speaking · to be specific · in concrete terms
Meaning
This is a transitional phrase used to signal that you're about to provide specific details, examples, or concrete information after making a general statement. It helps structure discourse by moving from abstract to concrete.
Usage
Commonly used in formal speech, academic writing, presentations, and explanations. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce elaboration. Native speakers use it when they want to clarify or specify what they mean after a broader statement.
Examples
- 01我们需要改进服务质量。具体来说，要缩短客户等待时间，提高员工培训水平。. , , .We need to improve service quality. Specifically speaking, we need to reduce customer wait times and improve employee training levels.
- 02这个项目有几个难点。具体来说，资金不足，人手短缺，时间紧迫。. , , , .This project has several difficulties. To be specific, insufficient funding, staff shortages, and tight deadlines.
Characters
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 具体 (concrete/specific) with 来说 (to speak of/speaking). The 来 here serves as a grammatical particle that connects the adjective to the verb, creating a fixed adverbial expression.