Meanings of 话题
By ear
Play it, then pick what 话题 means.
About 话题
Podcast: 话题
Podcast: 话题
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 话题
话题 (topic) vs 主题 (theme) — use 话题 for conversational subjects, while 主题 is more suited for overarching themes in literature or art.
Be careful not to confuse 话题 with 话 (hua4), which means 'speech' or 'talk' without the nuance of a specific subject. It is often used in both casual and academic settings to frame discussions, so be mindful of the context in which you use it.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 话题 connects to other vocabulary related to communication and discussion, such as 讨论 (tǎo lùn), meaning 'to discuss.' Focus on using it in sentences that involve dialogues or debates to enhance your conversational skills.
Learners often confuse 话题 with 主题 (zhǔ tí) and use them interchangeably; however, 话题 is more conversational while 主题 is more academic. For example, saying '我们讨论的主题是...' (The subject we discussed is...) should be replaced with '话题' for a more natural expression.
Pronunciation of 话题
Drill the tone of 话题, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 话题 to you
Let me explain 话题 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 话题 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 话题?
Learning Lab
Knowing 话题 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say subject (of a talk or conversation) in Chinese
“subject (of a talk or conversation)” in Chinese is话题
话题 refers to the subject or topic of a conversation or discourse. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions, lectures, or interviews, to identify the main subject being addressed.
When to use 话题
Be careful not to confuse 话题 with 话 (hua4), which means 'speech' or 'talk' without the nuance of a specific subject. It is often used in both casual and academic settings to frame discussions, so be mindful of the context in which you use it.
话题 or something close to it
话题 (topic) vs 主题 (theme) — use 话题 for conversational subjects, while 主题 is more suited for overarching themes in literature or art.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 话题 with 主题 (zhǔ tí) and use them interchangeably; however, 话题 is more conversational while 主题 is more academic. For example, saying '我们讨论的主题是...' (The subject we discussed is...) should be replaced with '话题' for a more natural expression.
Write 话题
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 话题 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 话题
话题 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这么多人来参加这个活动，可见大家对这个____非常感兴趣。
So many people came to this event — evidently everyone is very interested in this topic.
Example sentences for 话题 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 话题?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 话题
Yes, it is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 话题?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.