Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
打听(打聽)dǎting(da3ting5)
打听 (dǎtīng) means to inquire or ask about something, typically involving seeking information from others. It is often used in contexts where one is trying to gather details or learn more about a person, place, or situation, and can convey a sense of curiosity or investigation.
Frequency#6098DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, asking around (打听) is a common way to gather information, reflecting the community-oriented nature of society where personal connections are valued and information is often shared informally.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are at a party where everyone is talking. You want to learn about a mysterious guest, so you start to '打听' (dǎtīng) by asking around. The character 打 (dǎ) looks like a hand reaching out, while 听 (tīng) signifies listening, reminding you that you are using your ears to gather information.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 打听
Quick Contrast
询问 (xúnwèn) - use 打听 when the inquiry is more informal or casual, while 询问 is more formal or serious.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine you are at a party where everyone is talking. You want to learn about a mysterious guest, so you start to '打听' (dǎtīng) by asking around. The character 打 (dǎ) looks like a hand reaching out, while 听 (tīng) signifies listening, reminding you that you are using your ears to gather information.
Usage Notes
Learners should note that 打听 is generally informal and is often used in conversational contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with 询问 (xúnwèn), which is more formal. Pay attention to tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 打听 connects with other vocabulary related to communication and inquiry. Students should focus on using it in sentences that relate to everyday situations where information is sought, helping to build conversational skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, asking around (打听) is a common way to gather information, reflecting the community-oriented nature of society where personal connections are valued and information is often shared informally.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 打听 with 了解 (liǎojiě), which means to understand or know something deeply. For example, saying '我想打听这个问题' (I want to inquire about this question) is correct, while '我想了解这个问题' (I want to inquire about this question) might be used incorrectly if only basic information is needed.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 打听
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 打听 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 打听 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 打听
打听 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我向一两个摊贩____了此事。
I asked one or two of the stallholders about it.
Example Sentences for 打听 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
vto ask about8
1
我向一两个摊贩打听了此事。
wǒ xiàng yī liǎng gè tān fàn dǎ tīng le cǐ shì。
I asked one or two of the stallholders about it.
2
她旁敲侧击地向她母亲的朋友们打听过几次。
tā páng qiāo cè jī dì xiàng tā mǔ qīn de péng yǒu mén dǎ tīng guò jī cì。
She's making a few discreet inquiries with her mother's friends.
3
他悄悄地向邻居打听那个新搬来的家庭的背景。
Tā qiāoqiāo de xiàng línjū dǎting nàgè xīn bān lái de jiātíng de bèijǐng.
He quietly asked the neighbor about the background of the family that just moved in.
4
我在社交活动中打听了一些关于公司新政策的消息。
Wǒ zài shèjiāo huódòng zhōng dǎting le yīxiē guānyú gōngsī xīn zhèngcè de xiāoxi.
I asked around at the social event about some news regarding the company's new policy.
5
我打听了一下，发现这个项目需要更多的资金支持。
Wǒ dǎting le yīxià, fāxiàn zhège xiàngmù xūyào gèng duō de zījīn zhīchí.
I asked about it and found out that this project needs more financial support.
6
他向老同学打听新公司的工作环境如何。
Tā xiàng lǎo tóngxué dǎting xīn gōngsī de gōngzuò huánjìng rúhé.
He asked his old classmates about the work environment at the new company.
7
我们到前台打听了会议的具体时间和地点。
Wǒmen dào qiántái dǎting le huìyì de jùtǐ shíjiān hé dìdiǎn.
We asked at the front desk about the specific time and location of the meeting.
8
她去市场打听水果的最新价格。
Tā qù shìchǎng dǎting shuǐguǒ de zuìxīn jiàgé.
She went to the market to ask about the latest prices of fruit.
vto make some inquiries2
9
我打听了一下，附近有一家很不错的餐馆。
Wǒ dǎting le yīxià, fùjìn yǒu yī jiā hěn bùcuò de cānguǎn.
I made some inquiries and found out there's a nice restaurant nearby.
10
他去人力资源部打听新职位的情况。
Tā qù rénlì zīyuán bù dǎting xīn zhíwèi de qíngkuàng.
He went to the HR department to make some inquiries about the new position.
Cultural Notes for 打听
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, asking around (打听) is a common way to gather information, reflecting the community-oriented nature of society where personal connections are valued and information is often shared informally.
Frequently Asked Questions about 打听
It's better to use 询问 (xúnwèn) in formal situations, as 打听 is more casual.
打听 primarily means to ask or inquire, but it can imply a sense of searching for information.
