Meanings of 闲话
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About 闲话
Podcast: 闲话
Podcast: 闲话
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AI Study Notes for 闲话
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.
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).
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.
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'.
Pronunciation of 闲话
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Jason Explains 闲话 to You
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How Well Do You Know 闲话?
Learning Lab
Knowing 闲话 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.
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Component Characters
How to say digression in Chinese
“digression” in Chinese is闲话
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
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Practice writing 闲话 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 闲话
No, '闲话' is predominantly informal; use it in casual conversations instead.
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