谈到

• Pinyin: tán dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 谈 = 讠+ 炎; 到 = 至 (arrive) + 刂 (knife)

Meaning

To mention; to speak of; when it comes to. Introduces a topic in conversation.

Used to introduce or reference a topic in discussion. Can mean 'speaking of' to transition topics or 'mentioned' when reporting what someone said.

Examples

1. 谈到房价问题，大家都觉得现在买房压力太大了。 When it comes to housing prices, everyone feels the pressure of buying a home is too great now.
2. 他在采访中谈到了自己的创业经历和心路历程。 In the interview, he talked about his entrepreneurial experience and personal journey.
3. 每次谈到这件事，她就会情绪激动。 Every time this topic comes up, she gets emotional.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, interviews, discussion

Tone: transitional

Do Say

• 谈到这个话题...(Speaking of this topic...)
• 他谈到了未来计划。(He mentioned his future plans.)

Don't Say

• 把'谈到'和'说到'严格区分 (They're largely interchangeable, though 谈到 sounds slightly more formal)

Origin & History

谈 means to talk, 到 means to reach or arrive at. Together: to talk about; to touch upon.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal