好转
hǎozhuǎn
The English phrase 'get better' is translated into Chinese as 好转 (hǎozhuǎn).
好转 is used when a situation or a condition begins to improve or become more positive. It is not used to describe an improvement in a person's skills or abilities.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 好 (hǎo), meaning 'good' and 转 (zhuǎn), meaning 'to turn' or 'to change direction'.
Which one should you use?
While 好转 describes a situation or condition turning for the better, you should use 进步 to describe a person's skill or ability improving.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the particle 了 after 好转 to form 好转了, you indicate that the improvement has already occurred or that a change in state has taken place.
How do you pronounce it?
hǎozhuǎn
Did you know?
- The character 好 in 好转 is composed of the radicals for 'woman' and 'child', symbolizing the ultimate 'good' as a mother with her baby.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, 'getting better' is often discussed as 'balancing' the body's energy, rather than simply fighting a disease.
- The word 转 means 'to turn', reflecting a cultural view that life and health move in cycles rather than a straight line of progress.
Examples in context
- 祝您早日恢复健康。Wishing you a speedy recovery.
- 希望你早日康复。Hope you get well soon.
- 快点好起来，我们等你一起出去玩。Get well soon, we're waiting for you to go out and have fun together.
- 保重身体，早日恢复元气。Take care of yourself, and get well soon.
- 天气开始好转了。Tiānqì kāishǐ hǎozhuǎn le.The weather is starting to get better.
- 他的病情正在好转。Tā de bìngqíng zhèngzài hǎozhuǎn.His medical condition is getting better.
- 经济形势有所好转。Jīngjì xíngshì yǒu suǒ hǎozhuǎn.The economic situation has improved slightly.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a patient in the hospital.
- 俊杰 Junjie他的身体好转了吗？Tā de shēntǐ hǎozhuǎn le ma?Is his health getting better?
- 雨婷 Yuting是的，情况正在好转。Shì de, qíngkuàng zhèngzài hǎozhuǎn.Yes, the situation is improving.
- 俊杰 Junjie那真是太好了。Nà zhēnshì tài hǎo le.That is wonderful news.
- 雨婷 Yuting希望他能快点康复。Xīwàng tā néng kuài diǎn kāngfù.I hope he recovers quickly.
