个案

gè’àn

individual case; special case

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Understanding 个案

The term 个案 (gè’àn) refers to an individual case or specific instance, often used in contexts like law, medicine, or social studies. It highlights a particular example rather than a general category.

Usage in Context

个案 is commonly used when discussing unique or special cases that require individual attention or analysis. For example, doctors might study a rare disease through specific 个案, or lawyers might analyze each legal 个案 separately.

Common Collocations

  • 个案研究 (case study): used in academic or professional research to analyze a particular case in detail.
  • 个案分析 (case analysis): detailed examination of a specific case.
  • 罕见个案 (rare case): refers to unusual or uncommon individual cases.

Nuances and Tips

Using 个案 emphasizes the uniqueness and specificity of the case, distinguishing it from general trends or statistics. It is more formal and precise than simply saying 案件 (case) in legal contexts. Avoid confusing 个案 with 案件, which can refer to cases more broadly or in a legal docket sense.

Example Sentences

这起个案引起了社会的广泛关注。

Zhè qǐ gè’àn yǐnqǐle shèhuì de guǎngfàn guānzhù.

This individual case has attracted widespread social attention.

医生正在研究这个罕见疾病的个案。

Yīshēng zhèngzài yánjiū zhège hǎnjiàn jíbìng de gè’àn.

The doctor is studying this rare disease case.

在法律上,每个个案都需要具体分析。

Zài fǎlǜ shàng, měi gè gè’àn dōu xūyào jùtǐ fēnxī.

In law, each case needs specific analysis.