听话

• Pinyin: tīng huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 听 = 口 + 斤 — to listen; 话 = 讠+ 舌 — speech, words

Meaning

Obedient; well-behaved. To do as one is told.

Describes someone (usually a child or subordinate) who follows instructions without resistance. Can be positive (good behavior) or slightly negative (lacking independence). Also used as a command to children.

Examples

1. 她的孩子特别听话，让做什么就做什么，从不顶嘴。 Her child is especially obedient — does whatever is asked without talking back.
2. 听话，把药吃了，吃完给你买冰淇淋。 Be good and take your medicine — after you finish, I'll buy you ice cream.
3. 员工太听话不一定是好事，公司也需要有创新想法的人。 Employees being too obedient isn't necessarily a good thing — companies also need people with innovative ideas.

Usage Guide

Context: family, children, workplace

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你要听话。(Be obedient.)
• 这孩子真听话。(This child is so well-behaved.)

Don't Say

• 对成年人用'听话'命令口气 (Using 听话 commandingly to adults can be condescending — use 配合 or 理解 instead)

Origin & History

听 means to listen, 话 means words — to listen to what is said.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal