说情 shuōqíng to intercede
to intercede; to plead for somebody else
How to remember 说情: 说 say + 情 feeling = to intercede.
Characters
How it is used
- To plead on someone's behalf / intercede - 替他说情 (tì tā shuōqíng) to put in a good word for him; 找人说情 (zhǎo rén shuōqíng) to get someone to intercede.
- Verb-object; often to soften a punishment or gain leniency for another. Slightly informal, common in social favors.
- Distinct from 求情 (qiúqíng, to beg for mercy) - 说情 is arguing another's case, often as a third party.
Example sentences
- 他们说情况只是暂时的。 Tāmen shuō qíngkuàng zhǐshì zànshí de.They said the situation was only temporary.