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侃侃而谈 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
侃侃而谈kǎnkǎn’értánto speak frankly with assuranceHSK 7, i, 32 strokes, rank #57824, Very Hard
kǎnkǎn’értán(kan3kan3er2tan2)kan kan er tan T3
  1. 1to speak frankly with assurance
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March 24, 2026

侃侃而谈(侃侃而談)kǎnkǎn’értán(kan3kan3er2tan2)

侃侃而谈 refers to speaking confidently and candidly about a topic, often in a persuasive manner. This idiom is commonly used to describe someone who articulates their thoughts clearly and with assurance, making their ideas more convincing to others.

Strokes32Frequency#57824DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, being able to speak confidently and persuasively is highly valued, particularly in academic and business contexts. The ability to express oneself clearly is seen as a sign of intelligence and credibility.

Memory tip

Imagine a friendly conversation where a person named 'Kan' (侃) stands on a stage, confidently sharing his thoughts ('谈') with an audience. The repetition of '侃' emphasizes his ease and assurance in speaking, making it memorable that he speaks 'kan3 kan3' (confidently) and 'er2' (in a straightforward manner).

Meanings of 侃侃而谈

kǎnkǎn’értán(kan3kan3er2tan2)
1to speak frankly with assurance
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About 侃侃而谈

侃侃而谈Simplified
侃侃而談Traditional
32Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#57824Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 侃侃而谈

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AI study notes for 侃侃而谈

Quick Contrast

滔滔不绝 (tāotāobùjué) — use 侃侃而谈 when emphasizing confidence and clarity, while 滔滔不绝 focuses more on the uninterrupted flow of speech.

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in both formal and informal settings, but it's particularly effective in discussions or debates. A common mistake is to use it in contexts where someone is speaking hesitantly, which would contradict the meaning. Be mindful of the tone and context in which you use it.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 idiom, 侃侃而谈 is relevant when discussing complex topics or engaging in debates. Students should focus on its usage in formal discussions, as well as how it pairs with other expressions of confidence and clarity in speech.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse this idiom when describing someone who is nervous or unclear in their speech. For example, saying '他侃侃而谈但很紧张' (He speaks confidently but is very nervous) is incorrect; it should be used only when the speaker is genuinely confident.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 侃侃而谈

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Idiom spotlight: 侃侃而谈

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:talk talk and discuss

Component characters

侃kǎnupright and honest
8 strokes亻
View full entry
侃kǎnupright and honest
8 strokes亻
View full entry
而érand
HSK 46 strokes而
View full entry
谈tánto speak
HSK 410 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say to speak frankly with assurance in Chinese

“to speak frankly with assurance” in Chinese is侃侃而谈kǎnkǎn’értán

侃侃而谈 refers to speaking confidently and candidly about a topic, often in a persuasive manner. This idiom is commonly used to describe someone who articulates their thoughts clearly and with assurance, making their ideas more convincing to others.

When to use 侃侃而谈

This idiom is often used in both formal and informal settings, but it's particularly effective in discussions or debates. A common mistake is to use it in contexts where someone is speaking hesitantly, which would contradict the meaning. Be mindful of the tone and context in which you use it.

侃侃而谈 or something close to it

滔滔不绝 (tāotāobùjué) — use 侃侃而谈 when emphasizing confidence and clarity, while 滔滔不绝 focuses more on the uninterrupted flow of speech.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse this idiom when describing someone who is nervous or unclear in their speech. For example, saying '他侃侃而谈但很紧张' (He speaks confidently but is very nervous) is incorrect; it should be used only when the speaker is genuinely confident.

Write 侃侃而谈

侃
侃
而
谈

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Frequently asked questions about 侃侃而谈

Yes, it can be used in both formal and casual contexts, but is often more impactful in discussions that require persuasion.

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