shāngliang: 商量 - To Discuss, To Consult, To Talk Over
Quick Summary
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Summary: Discover the meaning of 商量 (shāngliang), a fundamental Chinese verb for “to discuss” or “to consult.” This page explains how an English speaker can use it in practical situations, from making dinner plans with friends to consulting with a colleague at work. Learn its cultural significance rooted in harmony and collaboration, and see how it differs from similar words like “negotiate” or “debate.”
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): shāngliang
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: To discuss something with others in order to reach a decision or agreement.
In a Nutshell: `商量` is not about winning an argument; it's about finding a solution together. Think of it as a collaborative huddle. It carries a soft, cooperative tone, implying that all parties' opinions are valuable and the goal is to find a mutually agreeable outcome. It's the action you take before making a collective decision.
Character Breakdown
商 (shāng): This character's primary meaning is “commerce,” “trade,” or “business.” It also carries the meaning of “to consult” or “to discuss,” likely stemming from the act of merchants discussing and deliberating over a deal.
量 (liáng): This character means “to measure” or “to estimate.” It invokes the idea of weighing options and considering different quantities or possibilities.
When combined, 商量 (shāngliang) creates a vivid image: people are “discussing” (商) while “measuring” (量) their words, ideas, and options together. It's like a friendly negotiation where you're jointly trying to figure out the best course of action.
Cultural Context and Significance
`商量` is a cornerstone of daily interaction in China, reflecting the cultural importance of harmony (和谐, héxié) and collectivism. The act of “shāngliang” is a way to show respect for others' opinions and ensure that group decisions are made smoothly, without causing anyone to lose “face” (面子, miànzi).
Comparison with Western Culture: In the West, especially in American culture, decision-making can sometimes be more direct, individualistic, or even confrontational (e.g., a formal “debate” or a “vote” to settle a matter). `商量` is fundamentally different. It's the preferred method for resolving differences in families and among friends. Instead of voting on where to go for dinner, a Chinese family is more likely to `商量` until a consensus emerges that everyone is reasonably happy with. It prioritizes the process of coming to an agreement over the speed or efficiency of the decision itself. This practice reinforces group cohesion and avoids singling out a “losing” side.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`商量` is an extremely common verb used in a wide range of situations, from casual to semi-formal.
Making plans with friends/family: This is the most common usage. It's a friendly and inclusive way to organize activities.
“我们商量一下周末去哪儿玩吧。” (Let's discuss where to go this weekend.)
In the workplace: It's used to consult with colleagues or superiors about work-related matters. It's less formal and confrontational than “negotiate” (谈判, tánpàn).
“关于这个项目，我得跟老板商量一下。” (Regarding this project, I have to consult with the boss.)
Asking for an opinion or permission: It can be used as a polite way to introduce a topic you want to discuss, often with a slight tone of seeking approval.
“我想跟你商量一件事。” (I'd like to discuss something with you.)
Formality: `商量` is a neutral term. It's perfect for everyday conversation but also appropriate in most business contexts unless a very high level of formality is required, in which case a word like `协商 (xiéshāng)` might be used.
Analysis: A classic, everyday example of making a collective plan. The phrase “一下 (yíxià)” softens the verb, making it sound more casual, like “Let's have a quick chat about…”
English: This matter is very important, I need to discuss it with my family.
Analysis: This shows the common structure “跟 [somebody] 商量” (gēn [somebody] shāngliang), meaning “to discuss with somebody.” It highlights the cultural importance of consulting with family on major decisions.
Example 3:
他们商量了半天，最后还是没有结果。
Pinyin: Tāmen shāngliang le bàntiān, zuìhòu háishì méiyǒu jiéguǒ.
English: They discussed for a long time, but in the end, there was still no result.
Analysis: “了半天 (le bàntiān)” is a common expression meaning “for a long time” or “for ages.” This sentence shows that the process of `商量` doesn't always lead to a quick decision.
English: I would like to discuss my work schedule with you.
Analysis: A polite and professional way to bring up a topic with a manager or colleague. It's less demanding than saying “I need to change my schedule.”
English: After discussion, the company decided to give everyone a raise.
Analysis: “经过商量” (jīngguò shāngliang) is a common way to say “after discussion” or “following consultation,” often used to introduce the outcome of a meeting.
Example 8:
这没什么好商量的，就这么定了！
Pinyin: Zhè méishénme hǎo shāngliang de, jiù zhème dìng le!
English: There's nothing to discuss, it's decided!
Analysis: This shows the negative form, used by someone in a position of authority or someone who is frustrated. It explicitly shuts down the collaborative process.
Example 9:
两个孩子正在商量怎么分蛋糕。
Pinyin: Liǎng ge háizi zhèngzài shāngliang zěnme fēn dàngāo.
English: The two children are discussing how to divide the cake.
Analysis: A simple, vivid example of `商量` in action – a collaborative effort to find a fair solution to a shared problem.
English: I've discussed it with my friend, and we're going hiking together tomorrow.
Analysis: The resultative complement “好 (hǎo)” indicates that the discussion was successful and a decision has been reached. “商量好了” means “have finished discussing and agreed.”
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`商量 (shāngliang)` vs. `讨论 (tǎolùn)`: This is the most common point of confusion.
`商量` is goal-oriented. The purpose is to make a decision or reach an agreement. (e.g., We need to `商量` where to eat.)
`讨论 (tǎolùn)` is topic-oriented. The purpose is to explore a subject or exchange views, without the immediate need for a decision. (e.g., The students are `讨论`ing a philosophical question.)
Mistake: Saying “我们在商量全球变暖的问题。” (We are `shāngliang`-ing the issue of global warming). This is incorrect because global warming is a broad topic for exploration. The correct word would be `讨论 (tǎolùn)`. You would only use `商量` if you were discussing specific actions to take, e.g., “我们商量一下怎么减少公司的碳排放” (Let's discuss how to reduce the company's carbon emissions).
`商量 (shāngliang)` vs. `谈判 (tánpàn)`:
`商量` is collaborative and often used between people with a cooperative relationship (friends, family, colleagues).
`谈判 (tánpàn)` means “to negotiate” and is much more formal, often used in business or diplomatic contexts where two sides have competing interests. You `商量` with your wife about buying a car; your company will `谈判` with another company over the terms of a contract.
Related Terms and Concepts
讨论 (tǎolùn) - To discuss. More about exploring a topic, less about making a concrete decision.
谈判 (tánpàn) - To negotiate. More formal and adversarial, used for business or diplomatic negotiations.
协商 (xiéshāng) - To consult, to negotiate. A very formal term for high-level discussions aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution.
沟通 (gōutōng) - To communicate. A broader term focusing on the successful exchange of information and feelings to achieve mutual understanding.
决定 (juédìng) - To decide; a decision. This is often the goal or outcome of a successful `商量`.
建议 (jiànyì) - To suggest; a suggestion. An idea or proposal offered during a `商量`.
同意 (tóngyì) - To agree. The state of consensus reached after you `商量`.
意见 (yìjiàn) - Opinion; idea. This is the raw material that is exchanged during the act of `商量`.
面子 (miànzi) - “Face”; social prestige. The process of `商量` is often used to ensure that everyone's `面子` is preserved.