HSKReadyGet the app视……而定: Saying What a Decision Depends On
Use 视……而定 to say that an outcome, decision, or arrangement depends on a stated factor. The frame is concise and relatively formal, and it often suits explanations, reports, and practical planning.
最终期限视审批进度而定。
Read the full explanation and examples
Meaning and force
视……而定 means “to be decided or determined according to…” or, in a natural sentence, “to depend on…”. The open part names the factor that will guide an outcome. The expression presents that factor as the basis for a decision, schedule, policy, or other variable result. It does not itself say what the factor’s value will be, or guarantee a particular result.
In the supplied outline, this point is listed at levels 7–9 under fixed formats. That establishes the scope and level of this lesson; it does not establish which version is currently administered at any test centre.
Build the frame
视 and 而定 are the fixed parts. Put the determining basis in the middle. It can be a noun or noun phrase, such as a budget, schedule, local conditions, or a negotiation result. It can also be a longer phrase or clause when the basis is a circumstance or an unresolved question. Keep the whole basis together between the fixed parts; do not treat 而定 as an extra verb that takes a new object afterward.
- A noun phrase works when the factor is compact and clear.
- A longer phrase can specify whose conditions or which result matters.
- A clause can name an unresolved issue that will guide the decision.
Where it fits
The expression is concise and somewhat formal. It suits explanations, notices, planning discussions, and administrative writing, but is not restricted to writing. In a casual conversation, 看情况再说 can offer a looser “let’s see how things go”; it does not name the determining factor as precisely as 视预算而定 does.
最终期限视审批进度而定。
项目是否扩大，视预算和人手而定。
这项政策在不同地区的落实方式视当地条件而定。
A useful distinction
A factor that determines an outcome is not always a requirement that must be satisfied. 视……而定 leaves the result open and points to what will guide it. It does not necessarily mean “only if” or imply that the named factor is a strict prerequisite. If you mean that something is permitted only when a condition is met, choose wording that directly expresses that condition instead of relying on this frame.
是否接受这项提议，还得视它能否解决眼前的问题而定。
后续安排视双方协商的结果而定。
- Ask whether the middle phrase is genuinely the basis for deciding or setting the result.
- Name the variable result clearly in the surrounding sentence, especially if several outcomes are possible.
- Use another construction if you mean a firm prerequisite, a prediction, or a promise rather than a determining basis.
Frequently asked questions
Can the middle part contain a full clause?
Yes. It can be a longer phrase or clause when that circumstance or unresolved question is the basis for the outcome. Keep that material between 视 and 而定.
Is 视……而定 too formal for conversation?
It is somewhat formal and especially natural in careful explanations or planning. It can still be used in conversation when a measured tone is appropriate.
Does it mean that something is allowed only if the named factor is present?
Not by itself. It says the result is determined according to a factor. Use wording that directly states a requirement when you mean a strict prerequisite.
