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March 24, 2026
讨好(討好)tǎohǎo(tao3hao3)
讨好 (tǎohǎo) means to flatter or ingratiate oneself with someone in order to gain their favor. This word is often used in contexts where someone is trying to please others, particularly in a social or professional setting, to achieve a desired outcome or reward.
Frequency#8064DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 讨好 is often seen in hierarchical relationships, where subordinates may flatter superiors to secure their position or gain favors, reflecting the importance of harmony and relationships in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone trying to 'talk' (讨, tǎo) their way into someone's good graces, like a salesperson charming a customer. The second character 好 (hǎo) means 'good,' which reminds you that the goal is to make the other person feel good about you.
Meanings of 讨好
tǎohǎo(tao3hao3)
1to get the desired outcome
2to win favor by fawning on sb
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About 讨好
讨好Simplified
討好Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8064Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 讨好
Podcast: 讨好
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AI Study Notes for 讨好
Quick Contrast
奉承 (fèngchéng) - use 讨好 (tǎohǎo) when focusing on the act of trying to gain favor, while 奉承 (fèngchéng) emphasizes the insincerity or excessive nature of the flattery.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine someone trying to 'talk' (讨, tǎo) their way into someone's good graces, like a salesperson charming a customer. The second character 好 (hǎo) means 'good,' which reminds you that the goal is to make the other person feel good about you.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using 讨好 in overly formal contexts, as it can come off as insincere. It often collocates with terms like '上司' (shàngsī, boss) or '朋友' (péngyǒu, friend), and remember that it carries a nuance of manipulation or superficiality.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 讨好 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to social interactions and relationships. Focus on its use in professional contexts and practice forming sentences that involve both positive and negative connotations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 讨好 is often seen in hierarchical relationships, where subordinates may flatter superiors to secure their position or gain favors, reflecting the importance of harmony and relationships in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 讨好 with 赞美 (zànměi, to praise). For example, saying '我想讨好我的老师' (Wǒ xiǎng tǎohǎo wǒ de lǎoshī) can imply manipulation, while '我想赞美我的老师' (Wǒ xiǎng zànměi wǒ de lǎoshī) indicates genuine appreciation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 讨好
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Cultural Notes for 讨好
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 讨好 is often seen in hierarchical relationships, where subordinates may flatter superiors to secure their position or gain favors, reflecting the importance of harmony and relationships in Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 讨好
Not necessarily, but it often implies a level of insincerity or manipulation. It can be viewed negatively if it seems excessive.
Yes, but be mindful of the context; it may sound more like flattery than genuine praise.
Synonyms include '迎合' (yínghé, to cater to) and '奉承' (fèngchéng, to flatter), but they carry slightly different nuances.
