说话

• Pinyin: shuō huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 说 = 讠(speech) + 兑 (exchange); 话 = 讠(speech) + 舌 (tongue)

Meaning

To speak; to talk; to have a conversation. Focuses on the act of speaking rather than the content.

A verb-object compound that is separable. Emphasises the activity of talking rather than the specific words said. Often used with complements such as 说话很快 (speaks fast) or 说话很好听 (has a pleasant way of speaking).

Examples

1. 请你小声说话。 Please speak quietly.
2. 上课的时候不要说话。 Don't talk during class.
3. 他说话很快。 He speaks very fast.

Usage Guide

Context: communication, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我能跟你说话吗？(Can I talk to you?)
• 请大声说话。(Please speak louder.)

Don't Say

• 我说话中文。(Wrong — say 我说中文 or 我会说中文; 说话 means 'to talk' in general and cannot take a language as its object)

Origin & History

A compound of 说 (to say/speak) and 话 (words/speech), literally meaning 'to speak words.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal