说 vs 讲 vs 谈
说 vs 讲 vs 谈: Different Ways to "Speak" in Chinese
Quick Summary
说 is general speaking; 讲 is explaining/lecturing; 谈 is discussing/chatting.
Detailed Breakdown
shuō / shuì
To say, to speak (general)
Grammar Pattern
说 + language / 说 + contentExamples
说中文
shuō Zhōngwén
speak Chinese
他说他很忙
tā shuō tā hěn máng
He said he's busy
怎么说？
zěnme shuō?
How do you say it?
jiǎng
To explain, to lecture, to tell (story)
Grammar Pattern
讲 + topic / 讲课 (give lecture)Examples
讲故事
jiǎng gùshi
tell a story
讲课
jiǎng kè
give a lecture
老师讲得很清楚
lǎoshī jiǎng de hěn qīngchu
The teacher explained clearly
tán
To discuss, to chat, to talk about
Grammar Pattern
谈 + topic / 谈话 (have a talk)Examples
谈话
tánhuà
have a conversation
我们谈谈
wǒmen tántan
let's talk/discuss
谈恋爱
tán liàn'ài
to date (talk love)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | 说 | 讲 | 谈 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | say/speak | explain/lecture | discuss/chat |
| Direction | one-way output | one to many | two-way exchange |
| Formality | neutral | formal/educational | conversational |
| Common pairs | 说话、说明 | 讲课、讲故事 | 谈话、谈论 |
Memory Tips
- 说 has 兑 (exchange) - basic verbal EXCHANGE
- 讲 has 井 structure - WELL-organized explanation
- 谈 has 炎 (flame) - two flames = two people in heated DISCUSSION
Common Mistakes
For speaking a language, use 说 (general speaking)
Telling a story involves explanation - use 讲
For discussing a topic, use 谈
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 说 and 讲?
说 is general speaking (说中文 = speak Chinese, 他说 = he said). 讲 implies explaining or teaching (讲课 = give lecture, 讲故事 = tell a story). Use 说 for basic speech, 讲 when elaborating.
When do I use 谈?
谈 is for discussions and conversations between people. 谈话 = have a talk, 谈论 = discuss, 谈恋爱 = to date. It implies a two-way exchange of ideas.
Related Comparisons
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