Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== tǎolùn: 讨论 - To Discuss, Discussion ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** taolun, 讨论, discuss in Chinese, Chinese word for discussion, how to use taolun, Chinese verbs, HSK 3 vocabulary, talk over, debate vs discuss in Chinese, 商量, 辩论 * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **讨论 (tǎolùn)**, meaning "to discuss" or "discussion." This guide breaks down its characters, cultural nuances, and practical use in daily conversation, business, and online. Discover how **讨论** differs from chatting (聊天) or debating (辩论) and master its usage with 10 practical example sentences, making it a cornerstone of your conversational Mandarin. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** tǎolùn * **Part of Speech:** Verb / Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 3 * **Concise Definition:** To discuss a specific topic or problem, often with the aim of finding a solution or reaching a deeper understanding. * **In a Nutshell:** **讨论 (tǎolùn)** is the go-to word for a focused conversation about a particular subject. It's more structured than a casual chat but generally less confrontational than a formal debate. Think of it as a collaborative exploration of ideas, whether you're planning a trip with friends or brainstorming solutions in a business meeting. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **讨 (tǎo):** This character is composed of the "speech" radical (言) and "inch" (寸). Imagine using precise, measured (inch by inch) speech to ask for something or to examine a topic. On its own, 讨 can mean "to ask for" or "to inquire." * **论 (lùn):** This character also contains the "speech" radical (言). The other part (仑) suggests order or logic. Thus, 论 refers to an ordered, logical discourse, like an opinion, theory, or essay. * Together, **讨论 (tǎolùn)** literally means "to inquire and discourse," painting a picture of a structured, verbal exploration of a topic. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In many Western contexts, a "discussion" can easily escalate into a "debate," where the goal is to win an argument. The Chinese concept of **讨论 (tǎolùn)**, however, is often more deeply rooted in the cultural value of harmony (和谐, héxié). The primary goal of a **讨论** is frequently not to prove one person right and another wrong, but to allow all parties to express their opinions (发表意见, fābiǎo yìjiàn) in order to reach a collective understanding or a consensus that benefits the group. It is more collaborative than competitive. While a **讨论** can become passionate or heated, the underlying intention is usually to explore and solve, rather than to attack and defeat. This is different from **辩论 (biànlùn)**, which is a formal "debate" with clear opposing sides. For a learner, this means you can initiate a **讨论** without it being perceived as an aggressive challenge. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **讨论 (tǎolùn)** is an extremely versatile word used in virtually all aspects of modern life. * **Informal & Social:** You'll use this with friends and family to talk about plans, movies, books, or personal problems. * //e.g., "我们讨论一下周末去哪儿玩吧。" (Let's discuss where to go this weekend.)// * **Formal & Business/Academic:** It is the standard term for discussions in meetings, academic seminars, and project planning. * //e.g., "下午的会议，我们要讨论新的市场策略。" (In this afternoon's meeting, we need to discuss the new market strategy.)// * **Online:** On forums (论坛, lùntán) and social media, comment sections often invite users for a "lively discussion" (热烈讨论, rèliè tǎolùn). Its connotation is neutral, but it can be modified. A "heated discussion" (激烈的讨论, jīliè de tǎolùn) implies strong opinions, while a "group discussion" (小组讨论, xiǎozǔ tǎolùn) is a common activity in classrooms and workshops. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 我们需要**讨论**一下这个问题。 * Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào **tǎolùn** yīxià zhège wèntí. * English: We need to discuss this problem for a bit. * Analysis: A very common and neutral phrase used to initiate a focused conversation. "一下 (yīxià)" softens the tone, making it sound more casual. * **Example 2:** * 他们正在**讨论**周末的计划。 * Pinyin: Tāmen zhèngzài **tǎolùn** zhōumò de jìhuà. * English: They are discussing their plans for the weekend. * Analysis: Shows **讨论** used for everyday, informal planning among friends or family. * **Example 3:** * 这个问题值得我们深入**讨论**。 * Pinyin: Zhège wèntí zhídé wǒmen shēnrù **tǎolùn**. * English: This topic is worth our in-depth discussion. * Analysis: Here, **讨论** is a noun. The adverb 深入 (shēnrù) means "deeply," indicating a serious and thorough conversation. * **Example 4:** * 经过一番**讨论**，大家终于达成了一致。 * Pinyin: Jīngguò yī fān **tǎolùn**, dàjiā zhōngyú dáchéngle yīzhì. * English: After some discussion, everyone finally reached a consensus. * Analysis: This sentence highlights the goal-oriented nature of **讨论** in a group setting, often aiming for agreement (达成一致, dáchéng yīzhì). * **Example 5:** * 老师让学生们分组**讨论**这个故事。 * Pinyin: Lǎoshī ràng xuéshēngmen fēnzǔ **tǎolùn** zhège gùshì. * English: The teacher had the students discuss the story in groups. * Analysis: Demonstrates the use of **讨论** in an educational context. 分组 (fēnzǔ) means "to divide into groups." * **Example 6:** * 关于这个新项目，我们明天开会**讨论**。 * Pinyin: Guānyú zhège xīn xiàngmù, wǒmen míngtiān kāihuì **tǎolùn**. * English: Regarding this new project, we will have a meeting tomorrow to discuss it. * Analysis: A classic example of **讨论** in a business setting. 开会 (kāihuì) means "to hold a meeting." * **Example 7:** * 我想和你**讨论**一下我的职业发展。 * Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ **tǎolùn** yīxià wǒ de zhíyè fāzhǎn. * English: I want to discuss my career development with you. * Analysis: Used for serious, personal topics that require advice or a focused conversation. * **Example 8:** * 他们的**讨论**越来越激烈了。 * Pinyin: Tāmen de **tǎolùn** yuèláiyuè jīliè le. * English: Their discussion is getting more and more heated. * Analysis: Shows that while **讨论** is often collaborative, it can become intense (激烈, jīliè). Here, **讨论** is used as a noun. * **Example 9:** * 欢迎大家在评论区留言**讨论**！ * Pinyin: Huānyíng dàjiā zài pínglùn qū liúyán **tǎolùn**! * English: Everyone is welcome to leave a comment in the comment section to discuss! * Analysis: A very common phrase used by bloggers and content creators to encourage online engagement. * **Example 10:** * 这只是初步**讨论**，我们还没做任何决定。 * Pinyin: Zhè zhǐshì chūbù **tǎolùn**, wǒmen hái méi zuò rènhé juédìng. * English: This is just a preliminary discussion; we haven't made any decisions yet. * Analysis: Highlights that a **讨论** can be a process with different stages. 初步 (chūbù) means "preliminary" or "initial." ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== A common pitfall for English speakers is using **讨论 (tǎolùn)** for any kind of talking. It's crucial to distinguish it from its less formal cousin, **聊天 (liáotiān)**. * **讨论 (tǎolùn):** For a **specific topic or problem**. It has a purpose. * **聊天 (liáotiān):** For a **casual, aimless chat**. You chat about the weather, your day, or random thoughts. The purpose is social connection, not problem-solving. **Incorrect Usage:** * //(Incorrect)// 我和朋友在咖啡馆**讨论**了三个小时。 (Wǒ hé péngyǒu zài kāfēi guǎn **tǎolùn**le sān gè xiǎoshí.) * **Why it's wrong:** Unless you were intensely debating a single topic for three hours, this sounds unnatural. You were likely just hanging out and chatting. * **Correct Usage:** 我和朋友在咖啡馆**聊**了三个小时的天。 (Wǒ hé péngyǒu zài kāfēi guǎn **liáo**le sān gè xiǎoshí de tiān.) Similarly, don't confuse **讨论 (tǎolùn)** with **辩论 (biànlùn)**. A **讨论** is a collaborative exploration, while a **辩论** is a formal debate with opposing sides trying to win. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[商量]] (shāngliang) - To consult or talk over, often with the goal of getting permission or coming to a mutual agreement. It feels more personal and collaborative than **讨论**. * [[辩论]] (biànlùn) - To debate. A formal, structured argument between opposing sides, common in competitions or parliaments. Much more adversarial than **讨论**. * [[聊天]] (liáotiān) - To chat. The most casual form of talking, with no specific agenda or goal. * [[谈]] (tán) - To talk. A general term that can range from a casual chat (谈一谈) to a serious negotiation (谈判). **讨论** is a specific type of **谈**. * [[会议]] (huìyì) - Meeting; conference. The most common formal setting where a **讨论** takes place. * [[议论]] (yìlùn) - To comment on; to talk about. Often implies discussing people, news, or events, and can sometimes carry a connotation of gossip. * [[意见]] (yìjiàn) - Opinion; suggestion. The "raw material" that people contribute during a **讨论**. * [[主题]] (zhǔtí) - Topic; subject matter. The central focus of a **讨论**. * [[谈判]] (tánpàn) - To negotiate. A very formal discussion aimed at reaching a business or political agreement. It's a high-stakes form of talking.