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March 24, 2026
谈判(談判)tánpàn(tan2pan4)
谈判 (tán pàn) refers to the process of negotiation, where parties discuss terms to reach an agreement. It is commonly used in business contexts, diplomatic discussions, or any scenario where compromise is needed. The term carries a formal tone, suggesting the importance of the discussions involved.
Frequency#3191DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, negotiation is often seen as a sign of respect and relationship-building, rather than mere transaction. The concept of 谈判 reflects the emphasis on harmony and mutual benefit in Chinese business practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people at a table, talking intensely (谈) about a contract (判). The character 谈 (tán) resembles a person speaking, while 判 (pàn) can be thought of as deciding a fate or judgment during the negotiation.
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AI Study Notes for 谈判
Quick Contrast
协商 (xiéshāng) vs 谈判 (tánpàn): Use 协商 when emphasizing a more collaborative and informal discussion process, while 谈判 implies a more formal negotiation context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two people at a table, talking intensely (谈) about a contract (判). The character 谈 (tán) resembles a person speaking, while 判 (pàn) can be thought of as deciding a fate or judgment during the negotiation.
Usage Notes
Be aware that 谈判 is typically used in formal settings, so avoid using it in casual conversations. A common mistake is confusing it with discussions that do not aim for an agreement; ensure the context involves negotiation. Remember that it's often paired with terms like 条件 (tiáojiàn, conditions) to specify what is being negotiated.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 谈判 connects to other business and formal vocabulary at this level. Focus on using it in context with other negotiation-related terms to deepen understanding, such as 协议 (xiéyì, agreement) and 合作 (hézuò, cooperation).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, negotiation is often seen as a sign of respect and relationship-building, rather than mere transaction. The concept of 谈判 reflects the emphasis on harmony and mutual benefit in Chinese business practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 谈判 with 讨论, assuming they are interchangeable; however, 讨论 does not imply negotiation. For example, saying '我们在谈判这个问题' (wǒmen zài tán pàn zhège wèntí) is incorrect if the context is merely discussing an issue without negotiation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 谈判
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Grammar Patterns of 谈判
谈判 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
He is polished, charming, articulate and an excellent negotiator.
3
经过10个小时的谈判，持枪歹徒终于投降了。
jīng guò10 10 gè xiǎo shí de tán， pàn ， chí qiāng dǎi tú zhōng yú tóu。
Finally, after ten hours of negotiations, the gunman gave himself up.
4
他们现在已经准备好开始谈判。
tā mén xiàn zài yǐ jīng zhǔn bèi hǎo kāi shǐ tán pàn。
They are now ready to open negotiations.
5
那意味着几个月的激烈谈判开始了。
nà yì wèi zháo jī gè yuè de jī liè tán pàn kāi shǐ le。
That was the cue for several months of intense bargaining.
6
那是布鲁塞尔国际贸易谈判中纷乱的一天。
nà shì bù lǔ sāi ěr guó jì mào yì tán pàn zhōng fēn luàn de yī tiān。
It's been a tumultuous day at the international trade negotiations in Brussels.
7
那的确一度使进一步的和平谈判成为泡影。
nà de què yī dù shǐ jìn yī bù de hé píng tán pàn chéng wéi pào yǐng。
That really knocked back any hope for further peace negotiations.
8
那一争论可能会使谈判处于险境。
nà yī zhēng lùn kě néng huì shǐ tán pàn chǔ yú xiǎn jìng。
The dispute could jeopardize the negotiations.
9
现在猜测谈判是否会重新开始还为时过早。
xiàn zài cāi cè tán pàn shì fǒu huì zhòng xīn kāi shǐ huán wéi shí guò zǎo。
It is premature to speculate about the resumption of negotiations.
10
谈判可能会持续一周。
tán pàn kě néng huì chí xù yī zhōu。
The talks are set to continue through the week.
Cultural Notes for 谈判
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, negotiation is often seen as a sign of respect and relationship-building, rather than mere transaction. The concept of 谈判 reflects the emphasis on harmony and mutual benefit in Chinese business practices.
Frequently Asked Questions about 谈判
While it is most common in business, 谈判 can also apply to diplomatic negotiations or any situation requiring agreement.
谈判 specifically involves negotiations towards an agreement, while 讨论 is a more general term for discussion without the implication of reaching a consensus.
It's better to avoid using 谈判 in casual settings, as it carries a formal tone and is typically reserved for serious discussions.
