Meaning and Usage
The term "晚期" (wǎnqī) literally means "late period" or "late stage." It is commonly used to describe the final phase of a process, condition, or period, especially in medical contexts such as "晚期癌症" (late-stage cancer). It can also be applied metaphorically to other fields, like project management or life stages.
Common Collocations
- 晚期癌症 (late-stage cancer): used in medical diagnosis to indicate advanced disease.
- 晚期老人 (elderly in late stage of life): referring to people in the final phase of old age.
- 晚期项目 (late-stage project): describing the final phase of a project.
Usage Notes
"晚期" is often used in formal or technical contexts, especially in medicine. When describing diseases, it implies that the condition has progressed to an advanced and often critical stage. In everyday conversation, it might be used less frequently unless discussing health or progress stages.
Avoid confusing "晚期" with "晚会" (evening party) or "晚点" (late, delayed). "晚期" specifically refers to a late phase or period.
Summary
Use "晚期" when you want to emphasize that something is in its final or advanced stage, especially in medical or formal contexts. It helps convey urgency or seriousness about the timing or condition.