Keywords: anli, ànlì, 案例, Chinese case study, case in Chinese, example in Chinese, legal case, business case study, medical case, what does anli mean, 例子 vs 案例
Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of 案例 (ànlì), a crucial Chinese word for “case” or “case study.” This page breaks down how 案例 is used in professional contexts like business, law, and medicine to refer to a specific, documented instance for analysis. Discover the difference between 案例 (ànlì) and a simple “example” (例子, lìzi), and master its use with practical sentences and cultural insights for modern China.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): ànlì
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: A specific instance, example, or case used for analysis, study, or as a legal precedent.
In a Nutshell: Think of 案例 (ànlì) not just as any “example,” but as a “case file” or “case study.” It refers to a real, detailed, and often complex situation from the past—be it a legal dispute, a business strategy, or a medical situation—that is examined to learn from. It implies a story, context, and a body of information to be analyzed.
Character Breakdown
案 (àn): This character originally referred to a low wooden table. It evolved to mean a “legal case,” “record,” or “file,” likely because official documents and plans were presented on such tables for review by authorities.
例 (lì): This character combines the “person” radical (亻) with `列` (liè), meaning “to line up” or “arrange.” Together, `例` means an “example,” “precedent,” or “regulation”—something established as a standard for people to follow.
When combined, 案例 (ànlì) literally translates to a “case-example” or “record-precedent.” It signifies a specific case (`案`) that is being used as an example or precedent (`例`) for study and reference.
Cultural Context and Significance
案例 (ànlì) is a cornerstone of modern professional and academic vocabulary in China, reflecting a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to learning and decision-making. While not a traditional cultural term like `面子 (miànzi)`, its widespread use highlights the value placed on learning from concrete, proven examples.
Comparison to “Case Study”: The Western concept of a “case study” is a very close parallel. However, in the Chinese context, a 成功案例 (chénggōng ànlì - successful case) is often held up not just for analysis, but as a model to be emulated. There can be a stronger cultural emphasis on following a proven formula for success, which contrasts with a Western business culture that might praise “disruptive innovation” or breaking from the mold. Studying an 案例 is often about understanding a successful path in order to replicate it.
Practical Usage in Modern China
案例 (ànlì) is a formal term used in professional, academic, and serious discussions. You would not use it for a simple, everyday example.
In Business & Marketing (商业案例): This is one of the most common contexts. Companies analyze successful or failed marketing campaigns, business models, or management strategies as 案例.
e.g., “Let's analyze the Starbucks market entry case study in China.” (我们来分析一下星巴克进入中国的商业案例。)
In Law (法律案例): It refers to a legal case, especially one that sets a precedent. Lawyers and judges study past 案例 to inform their current work.
e.g., “The lawyer cited several relevant cases from last year.” (律师引用了去年的几个相关案例。)
In Education & Academics (教学案例): Professors and teachers use 案例 to illustrate complex theories with real-world situations, making abstract concepts easier to understand.
e.g., “Today's class will be a case study analysis.” (今天的课是案例分析。)
In Medicine (医疗案例): While `病例 (bìnglì)` refers specifically to a patient's medical record or clinical case, 医疗案例 (yīliáo ànlì) can be used more broadly to discuss a particular medical case for teaching or research purposes.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
这是一个非常经典的营销案例。
Pinyin: Zhè shì yī ge fēicháng jīngdiǎn de yíngxiāo ànlì.
English: This is a very classic marketing case study.
Analysis: Here, 案例 refers to a well-known and exemplary case used for study in the field of marketing.
Example 2:
老师用一个真实的案例来说明他的观点。
Pinyin: Lǎoshī yòng yī ge zhēnshí de ànlì lái shuōmíng tā de guāndiǎn.
English: The teacher used a real-life case to illustrate his point.
Analysis: This shows the use of 案例 in an educational context to make a theory more concrete and understandable.
Example 3:
通过对这个案例的分析,我们可以学到很多东西。
Pinyin: Tōngguò duì zhè ge ànlì de fēnxī, wǒmen kěyǐ xuédào hěn duō dōngxi.
English: By analyzing this case, we can learn a lot.
Analysis: This sentence highlights the primary purpose of an 案例: to be analyzed for learning and insight.
Example 4:
这家公司的成功是一个值得我们研究的案例。
Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī de chénggōng shì yī ge zhídé wǒmen yánjiū de ànlì.
English: This company's success is a case study worthy of our research.
Analysis: This phrase, 成功案例 (chénggōng ànlì), is extremely common in business contexts.
English: Every case requires us to think and judge independently.
Analysis: This reflects the use of the case method in teaching, where students are expected to analyze and form their own conclusions.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 案例 (ànlì) with 例子 (lìzi). They both can be translated as “example,” but their usage is very different.
`案例 (ànlì)` = Case Study / Detailed Instance
Formal, complex, and detailed.
Has a narrative, context, and data.
Used for deep analysis, research, or as a precedent.
Think: a business school case study, a legal case, a documented medical history.
`例子 (lìzi)` = Simple Example / Illustration
Informal, simple, and general.
Used to quickly illustrate a point.
Think: “Fruits, for example (e.g., 比如), apples and bananas…”
Why it's wrong: Listing basketball as a simple example of a sport is a job for `例子`. Using `案例` here is like saying “I like many sports, one case study is basketball,” which sounds strange and overly formal.
English: I like many sports, for example, basketball.
Related Terms and Concepts
例子 (lìzi) - The most common word for a simple “example” or “instance.” It's used to illustrate a point in general conversation and is much less formal than `案例`.
案件 (ànjiàn) - Refers specifically and exclusively to a legal case (criminal or civil). While a legal `案件` can be studied as an `案例`, `案件` refers to the actual case itself within the legal system.
病例 (bìnglì) - A patient's medical record or a clinical case. It's the specific medical equivalent of a “case file.”
范例 (fànlì) - A model example, a perfect or standard specimen to be imitated. A highly successful `案例` might be presented as a `范例`.
实例 (shílì) - A real, actual instance or a concrete example. It emphasizes that the example is not hypothetical but actually happened.
先例 (xiānlì) - A precedent; an earlier event or action that serves as a guide or example for future situations, especially in law or policy.
分析 (fēnxī) - To analyze. This verb is very frequently paired with `案例`, as in `案例分析 (ànlì fēnxī)` - case analysis.
研究 (yánjiū) - To research or study. Often paired to form `案例研究 (ànlì yánjiū)` - case study research.