打听

• Pinyin: dǎ ting
• Hanzi breakdown: 打 = 扌(hand) + 丁 (nail); 听 = 口 (mouth) + 斤 (axe)

Meaning

To ask about; to inquire; to find out by asking around.

Used when seeking information through conversation, often about someone's situation, news, or details. More informal than 询问, suggesting a casual or discreet inquiry.

Examples

1. 他到处打听那家新餐厅的地址。 He asked around everywhere for the address of that new restaurant.
2. 你帮我打听一下明天开会的时间。 Can you help me find out what time the meeting is tomorrow?
3. 邻居来打听我们什么时候搬家。 The neighbour came to ask when we are moving.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, social

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 我帮你打听打听这件事。(I'll ask around about this for you.)
• 她在打听那个工作的情况。(She is inquiring about that job.)

Don't Say

• 请打听他的私生活 (Avoid using 打听 about very private matters — it can imply nosiness or prying; use 了解 for neutral enquiry)

Origin & History

Compound of 打 (to do, perform) and 听 (to listen/hear), literally 'strike-listen,' meaning to actively seek out information.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal