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March 24, 2026
闲话(閑話)xiánhuà(xian2hua4)
闲话 (xián huà) refers to light conversation or gossip, often characterized by casual remarks or digressions from the main topic. It can be used in both social settings, such as chatting with friends, and in more formal discussions where side comments may arise.
Strokes15Frequency#14225DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
闲话 often plays a significant role in building relationships in Chinese culture, where socializing over tea or meals includes sharing stories, gossip, or light-hearted complaints about various aspects of life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a group of friends sitting in a relaxed environment, sharing '闲话' about their day while sipping tea. The left side of the character, '阝', looks like a small hill, suggesting a relaxed setting, while '话' represents speech. Together, they conjure the idea of leisurely chatting.
Meanings of 闲话
xiánhuà(xian2hua4)
1digression
2gossip
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 闲话
闲话Simplified
閑話Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14225Frequency Rank
段Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 闲话
Podcast: 闲话
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AI Study Notes for 闲话
Quick Contrast
闲聊 (xián liáo) - use 闲话 when the focus is on casual gossip or remarks, while 闲聊 is more general for light conversation without the gossip connotation.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that '闲话' is typically informal and may not be suitable for serious discussions. It's often used in casual settings, and learners should avoid confusing it with '严肃' (serious) topics. Common collocations include '闲话家常' (to chat about daily life).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '闲话' connects with themes of conversation and social interaction found in other vocabulary at this level. Students should focus on using it in various contexts to express informal dialogue effectively.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '闲话' with '正经话' (serious talk), using it in inappropriate contexts. For example, saying '我们来谈闲话这个问题' (Let's discuss this issue lightly) is incorrect; instead, say '我们来闲聊一下这个问题'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 闲话
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闲话 (xián huà) refers to light conversation or gossip, often characterized by casual remarks or digressions from the main topic. It can be used in both social settings, such as chatting with friends, and in more formal discussions where side comments may arise.
When to use 闲话
Be mindful that '闲话' is typically informal and may not be suitable for serious discussions. It's often used in casual settings, and learners should avoid confusing it with '严肃' (serious) topics. Common collocations include '闲话家常' (to chat about daily life).
闲话 or something close to it
闲聊 (xián liáo) - use 闲话 when the focus is on casual gossip or remarks, while 闲聊 is more general for light conversation without the gossip connotation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '闲话' with '正经话' (serious talk), using it in inappropriate contexts. For example, saying '我们来谈闲话这个问题' (Let's discuss this issue lightly) is incorrect; instead, say '我们来闲聊一下这个问题'.
Write 闲话
闲
话
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Grammar Patterns of 闲话
闲话 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 4 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
这对伴侣年龄上的差异招来了不少____。
What set tongues wagging was the age difference between the two partners.
Example Sentences for 闲话 (7)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这对伴侣年龄上的差异招来了不少闲话。
zhè duì bàn lǚ nián líng shàng de chà yì zhāo lái le bù shǎo xián huà。
What set tongues wagging was the age difference between the two partners.
