谈判

• Pinyin: tán pàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 谈 = 讠 (speech) + 炎 (phonetic); 判 = 半 (half) + 刂 (knife), meaning to divide or judge

Meaning

To negotiate; negotiation. Formal discussions aimed at reaching an agreement between parties.

Used in business, diplomacy, and legal contexts. Common collocations include 谈判桌 (negotiation table) and 和平谈判 (peace negotiations). Implies a structured process with opposing sides seeking compromise.

Examples

1. 双方正在进行贸易谈判。 Both sides are currently conducting trade negotiations.
2. 这次谈判进行得很顺利。 This negotiation went very smoothly.
3. 他们已经谈判了好几天了。 They have been negotiating for several days already.

Usage Guide

Context: business, diplomacy, legal

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 价格还需要进一步谈判。(The price still needs further negotiation.)
• 谈判的结果让双方都满意。(The result of the negotiation satisfied both parties.)

Don't Say

• 我和妈妈谈判今天吃什么。(Don't use 谈判 for casual family decisions — use 商量 instead. 谈判 implies formal negotiation between opposing parties.)

Origin & History

谈 (talk/discuss) + 判 (to judge/decide). Literally 'to discuss and decide', capturing the essence of negotiation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal