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座谈 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
座谈zuòtánto have an informal discussionHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #29214, Very Hard
zuòtán(zuo4tan2)zuo tan T4
  1. 1to have an informal discussion
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March 24, 2026

座谈(座談)zuòtán(zuo4tan2)

座谈 (zuò tán) refers to an informal discussion or symposium, typically involving a group of people exchanging ideas or opinions on a specific topic. It is often used in educational or professional contexts to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.

Strokes20Frequency#29214DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

座谈 reflects the Chinese emphasis on collective discussion and consensus-building, often seen in educational settings or community meetings. This practice is rooted in Confucian ideals of harmony and group collaboration.

Memory tip

Imagine a group of people sitting (座) around a round table discussing their thoughts (谈) openly. The word '座' looks like a person seated, while '谈' can remind you of talking, making it easier to remember the meaning 'to have a discussion'.

Meanings of 座谈

zuòtán(zuo4tan2)
1to have an informal discussion
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About 座谈

座谈Simplified
座談Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
次Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 座谈

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AI study notes for 座谈

Quick Contrast

座谈 (informal discussion) vs 会议 (formal meeting) — use 座谈 for less structured, more conversational exchanges.

Usage Notes

座谈 is generally used in formal or semi-formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. A common mistake is confusing it with '聊天' (liáo tiān), which means 'to chat'—the latter is more informal. Be mindful of the tone, as it is pronounced with the fourth tone for '座' and the second tone for '谈'.

HSK Study Tips

Although 座谈 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above, where discussing topics in a group setting becomes more common. Students should focus on its usage in formal contexts and practice using it in sentences regarding meetings or discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners might mistakenly use 座谈 in very informal contexts, such as among friends. Instead, use 聊天 (liáo tiān) for casual conversations. Another common error is using it as a noun instead of a verb; remember that it describes the act of discussing.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 座谈

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Component characters

座zuòseat
HSK 410 strokes广
View full entry
谈tánto speak
HSK 410 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say to have an informal discussion in Chinese

“to have an informal discussion” in Chinese is座谈zuòtán

座谈 (zuò tán) refers to an informal discussion or symposium, typically involving a group of people exchanging ideas or opinions on a specific topic. It is often used in educational or professional contexts to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.

When to use 座谈

座谈 is generally used in formal or semi-formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. A common mistake is confusing it with '聊天' (liáo tiān), which means 'to chat'—the latter is more informal. Be mindful of the tone, as it is pronounced with the fourth tone for '座' and the second tone for '谈'.

座谈 or something close to it

座谈 (informal discussion) vs 会议 (formal meeting) — use 座谈 for less structured, more conversational exchanges.

What learners get wrong

Learners might mistakenly use 座谈 in very informal contexts, such as among friends. Instead, use 聊天 (liáo tiān) for casual conversations. Another common error is using it as a noun instead of a verb; remember that it describes the act of discussing.

Write 座谈

座
谈

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Frequently asked questions about 座谈

No, it is more appropriate for formal or academic discussions rather than casual chats.

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