磋商

• Pinyin: cuō shāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 磋 = 石 (stone) + 差 (polish, deliberate); 商 = discuss, commerce

Meaning

To consult; to negotiate; to discuss. A formal verb meaning to exchange views and seek agreement on important matters.

More formal than 商量 or 讨论. Used in diplomatic, business, and official contexts. Implies careful, extended discussion aimed at reaching consensus. Common in news about trade talks, treaties, and high-level meetings.

Examples

1. 两国代表团就贸易问题进行了为期三天的磋商。 The delegations from both countries held three days of consultations on trade issues.
2. 工会和管理层正在磋商新的劳动合同条款。 The union and management are negotiating the terms of a new labor contract.
3. 经过多轮磋商，双方终于在价格问题上达成一致。 After multiple rounds of negotiations, both parties finally reached an agreement on the price issue.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, business, negotiations

Tone: official

Do Say

• 双方将进一步磋商。(Both sides will consult further.)
• 这件事需要和相关部门磋商。(This matter needs to be discussed with the relevant departments.)

Don't Say

• 我和朋友磋商去哪吃饭 (Too formal for casual plans — use 商量 or 讨论 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 磋 (to polish jade, deliberate) + 商 (to discuss, commerce). Originally referred to careful polishing of jade, extended to careful deliberation.

Cultural Context

Generation: Working adults

Social background: Professional