When combined, 条件 (tiáojiàn) literally translates to “itemized matters” or “claused items.” This perfectly captures the meaning of a set of specific requirements or stipulations that must be considered or met.
While “condition” or “term” is a universal concept, the use of 条件 (tiáojiàn) in China can sometimes be more personal and flexible than the rigid, legalistic “Terms and Conditions” often seen in the West. For example, in a Western context, discussing the “conditions” for a romantic relationship might sound cold or transactional. In China, however, talking about your 找对象的条件 (zhǎo duìxiàng de tiáojiàn)—the “conditions for finding a partner”—is a very common and practical conversation. These conditions might include things like age, height, profession, or whether they own a home. This isn't necessarily seen as cold, but rather as a pragmatic approach to finding a suitable and stable match, reflecting a cultural emphasis on practicality and family security. Similarly, discussions about improving 生活条件 (shēnghuó tiáojiàn) (living conditions) or 工作条件 (gōngzuò tiáojiàn) (working conditions) are frequent topics of conversation, reflecting the country's rapid development and the collective aspiration for a better material life. It's a key metric for measuring personal and national progress.
条件 is the standard word for “terms” in any negotiation, from a formal business contract to haggling at a market.
It's used to set prerequisites for actions or to describe what one is looking for in a person or situation.
It's frequently combined with other words to mean “conditions” in the sense of the physical or circumstantial environment.