When you want to say “discuss” in Chinese, a practical word to use is 商议 (shāngyì). It’s a verb that means to talk something over, usually to come to a decision or an agreement.
You can use it when people are conferring about a plan, a problem, or a proposal. For instance, if a group of friends are trying to decide where to go for dinner, they might 商议. Or, if colleagues are working on a project, they could 商议 the best approach.
When using 商议 (shāngyì) it's important to understand it implies a formal and often serious discussion, usually to reach a decision or agreement. It's not for casual chats. For instance, if a company is discussing a new business strategy, 商议 is appropriate. You wouldn't typically use it for deciding what to have for dinner with friends. It often involves multiple parties deliberating on a significant matter. Therefore, consider the formality and the purpose of the discussion when choosing to use this verb.
When you learn Chinese, you'll find several words that all mean 'to discuss' or 'to confer'. This can be confusing. Let's break down the differences between 商议 (shāngyì), 讨论 (tǎolùn), 协商 (xiéshāng), and 商量 (shāngliang) so you know exactly when to use which one.
§ 商议 (shāngyì): To discuss (for a decision)
- DEFINITION
- 商议 (shāngyì) means to discuss or confer, usually with the goal of reaching a decision, a plan, or an agreement. It implies a more formal or serious discussion.
You use 商议 when people are meeting to talk about something important and need to come to a conclusion. Think of it as deliberating or consulting. It's often used in business, government, or when making significant family decisions.
他们正在商议新的合作方案。
Tāmen zhèngzài shāngyì xīn de hézuò fāng'àn. (They are discussing a new cooperation plan.)
我们需要和家人好好商议一下。
Wǒmen xūyào hé jiārén hǎohǎo shāngyì yīxià. (We need to discuss it carefully with our family.)
§ 讨论 (tǎolùn): To discuss (generally)
- DEFINITION
- 讨论 (tǎolùn) is a more general term for discussion. It means to talk about something, exchange ideas, or analyze a topic. It doesn't always imply the need to reach a final decision.
This is the most common and versatile word for 'to discuss'. You can use it for academic discussions, casual conversations about a topic, or debates. The focus is on the exchange of ideas.
我们讨论了电影的结局。
Wǒmen tǎolùn le diànyǐng de jiéjú. (We discussed the ending of the movie.)
老师和学生一起讨论了这个问题。
Lǎoshī hé xuéshēng yīqǐ tǎolùn le zhège wèntí. (The teacher and students discussed this problem together.)
§ 协商 (xiéshāng): To negotiate/consult (for mutual agreement)
- DEFINITION
- 协商 (xiéshāng) specifically refers to negotiation or consultation, often involving different parties with potentially conflicting interests who need to reach a mutual agreement or compromise.
This word is stronger than 商议 when it comes to reaching a compromise or a formal agreement between parties. Think of legal negotiations, labor talks, or international diplomacy.
双方正在协商合同细节。
Shuāngfāng zhèngzài xiéshāng hétóng xìjié. (Both parties are negotiating the contract details.)
经过多次协商，他们终于达成了一致。
Jīngguò duōcì xiéshāng, tāmen zhōngyú dáchéng le yīzhì. (After many negotiations, they finally reached an agreement.)
§ 商量 (shāngliang): To consult/talk over (informal)
- DEFINITION
- 商量 (shāngliang) is an informal way to say 'to discuss' or 'to consult with someone'. It's often used for everyday matters, seeking advice, or talking things over casually.
This is the most casual of the four. You'd use it with friends or family when you're just talking about options or getting someone's opinion, without the pressure of a formal decision or negotiation.
我们一起商量一下周末去哪里玩。
Wǒmen yīqǐ shāngliang yīxià zhōumò qù nǎlǐ wán. (Let's discuss where to go this weekend.)
你可以和你的朋友商量一下。
Nǐ kěyǐ hé nǐ de péngyǒu shāngliang yīxià. (You can talk it over with your friend.)
§ Key Differences Summarized
- 商议 (shāngyì): Formal, for making a decision or plan.
- 讨论 (tǎolùn): General, for exchanging ideas or analyzing a topic.
- 协商 (xiéshāng): Formal, for negotiation and reaching a mutual agreement/compromise, often with differing interests.
- 商量 (shāngliang): Informal, for casual consultation, seeking advice, or talking over options.
By understanding these subtle differences, you'll be able to choose the correct Chinese word for 'discuss' in any situation. Keep practicing, and you'll get it right every time!
Examples by Level
我们商议一下周末的计划吧。
Let's discuss the weekend plan.
经理和员工商议了新的工作安排。
The manager and employees discussed the new work arrangements.
他们正在商议如何解决这个问题。
They are discussing how to solve this problem.
请大家一起商议，找出最好的方案。
Everyone please discuss together to find the best solution.
经过一番商议，我们决定采纳他的建议。
After some discussion, we decided to adopt his suggestion.
这个问题需要我们坐下来好好商议。
This issue requires us to sit down and discuss it thoroughly.
如果你有任何想法，我们都可以商议。
If you have any ideas, we can discuss them.
他们商议了很久，但还没达成一致。
They discussed for a long time, but haven't reached an agreement yet.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我们商议一下。
Let's discuss it (a bit).
他们正在商议。
They are in discussion.
这事需要大家商议。
This matter needs everyone to discuss.
我们还没商议好。
We haven't finished discussing yet.
商议的结果是什么？
What is the result of the discussion?
我们开会商议。
We'll hold a meeting to discuss.
他想和你商议一下。
He wants to discuss with you (a bit).
经过商议，我们决定...
After discussion, we decided...
有什么事需要商议吗？
Is there anything that needs discussion?
请大家坐下商议。
Please everyone sit down and discuss.
Often Confused With
'会议' means a meeting, which is where '商议' often takes place, but they are not the same. '商议' is the activity, '会议' is the event.
'咨询' means to consult or seek advice. While consulting involves discussion, '商议' implies a more collaborative discussion towards a shared decision rather than seeking expert advice.
'谈判' means to negotiate, which is a type of discussion. '商议' can be part of negotiation, but '谈判' specifically implies reaching a formal agreement or settlement, often with differing interests.
Easily Confused
Both '商议' and '讨论' mean to discuss, but '讨论' is generally more informal and can be used for any topic, while '商议' often implies discussing a plan or decision.
'商议' emphasizes the process of reaching a decision or plan through discussion. '讨论' is a broader term for exchanging ideas or opinions.
我们正在讨论周末去哪儿玩。 (Wǒmen zhèngzài tǎolùn zhōumò qù nǎr wán.) We are discussing where to go on the weekend.
'协商' also means to discuss or negotiate, and it's quite close to '商议'. The main difference is often in the formality and the implication of reaching an agreement.
'协商' often involves two or more parties with potentially different interests trying to reach a mutually agreeable solution. '商议' can be more internal to a group and might not always involve formal negotiation.
双方正在协商合同细节。 (Shuāngfāng zhèngzài xiéshāng hétong xìjié.) Both sides are negotiating the contract details.
While not a direct synonym for '商议', learners might confuse it because '商议' involves thinking and weighing options, which is also part of '考虑'.
'考虑' means to think about, consider, or deliberate. It's an internal mental process. '商议' is an external action of discussing with others.
我需要时间考虑一下你的建议。 (Wǒ xūyào shíjiān kǎolǜ yīxià nǐ de jiànyì.) I need some time to consider your suggestion.
'沟通' means to communicate, which naturally involves discussion. However, '沟通' is a much broader term.
'沟通' focuses on the exchange of information or understanding between people. '商议' specifically refers to discussing a plan or decision.
我们需要加强团队内部的沟通。 (Wǒmen xūyào jiāqiáng tuánduì nèibù de gōutōng.) We need to strengthen internal team communication.
During a '商议', people often give '建议'. Learners might confuse the act of making a suggestion with the act of discussing.
'建议' is a noun meaning 'suggestion' or a verb meaning 'to suggest'. '商议' is the act of discussing or conferring, which might involve giving and receiving suggestions.
我有一个建议。 (Wǒ yǒu yī gè jiànyì.) I have a suggestion.
Test Yourself 30 questions
我们正在___关于周末旅行的计划。
The sentence means 'We are discussing plans for the weekend trip.' '商议' fits the context of discussing plans.
请大家坐下来，一起___一下这个问题。
The sentence means 'Please sit down, and let's discuss this issue together.' '商议' is appropriate for discussing a problem.
他们需要时间好好___一下再做决定。
The sentence means 'They need time to discuss it thoroughly before making a decision.' '商议' is used when people confer before making a decision.
我们应该___如何解决这个困难。
The sentence means 'We should discuss how to solve this difficulty.' '商议' is the correct word for discussing solutions.
老师和学生正在___下个月的活动。
The sentence means 'The teacher and students are discussing next month's activities.' '商议' is suitable for discussing plans or events.
他们花了一个小时___新产品的设计。
The sentence means 'They spent an hour discussing the design of the new product.' '商议' fits the context of discussing a design.
Which sentence correctly uses 商议?
商议 is used when people are discussing something together to make a decision or plan. '我们商议明天去哪里玩' (We discussed where to go tomorrow) fits this meaning. The other options use 商议 incorrectly; '商议' is not used for having an idea, deciding what to eat alone, or reading a book.
Choose the best translation for: 'The team is discussing the new project.'
商议 (shāngyì) means to discuss or confer. '团队正在商议新项目' (The team is discussing the new project) is the correct translation. The other options translate to 'looking at', 'writing', and 'thinking about', which do not convey the meaning of discussing.
What is the best synonym for 商议 in the context of making a group decision?
讨论 (tǎolùn) means 'to discuss' and is the closest synonym to 商议 when it involves a group decision. 告诉 (gàosu) means 'to tell', 听 (tīng) means 'to listen', and 问 (wèn) means 'to ask'.
You can use 商议 when you are thinking about something by yourself.
商议 implies discussion among multiple people to reach a conclusion, not individual thought.
The sentence '他们商议了很久才做出决定' (Tāmen shāngyì le hěn jiǔ cái zuò chū juédìng) means 'They discussed for a long time before making a decision'.
This sentence correctly uses 商议 to mean discussing something for a period before reaching a decision.
商议 can be used to mean 'to tell someone a secret'.
商议 is about discussing or conferring, not revealing information or secrets.
Imagine you and your friends are planning a weekend trip. Write a short paragraph describing how you would 商议 (discuss) the details of the trip, like the destination and activities.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我们周末想去旅行，所以我们坐下来商议了一下。大家对去海边或者爬山都有兴趣，所以我们决定投票。最后，我们商议决定去海边玩三天，活动包括游泳和吃海鲜。
You are working on a group project. Write a short email to your teammates suggesting a time to 商议 (confer) about the project's next steps.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
大家好，我想我们应该尽快商议一下项目的下一步计划。你们看这周三下午两点方便吗？如果不行，请告诉我你们方便的时间。
Describe a time when you had to 商议 (discuss) something important with your family. What was the topic, and what was the outcome?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
去年我们家要搬家，全家人坐在一起商议搬去哪个城市。爸爸妈妈提出了几个选择，我们兄弟姐妹也发表了意见。经过几天的商议，我们最终决定搬到离奶奶家近的城市。
根据这段话，经理召集主管们开会的主要目的是什么？
Read this passage:
公司决定开发新产品，所以经理召集了所有部门主管开会。他们需要商议新产品的设计、市场定位以及生产成本。这次会议非常重要，因为这将决定公司未来的发展方向。
根据这段话，经理召集主管们开会的主要目的是什么？
文章中明确提到“他们需要商议新产品的设计、市场定位以及生产成本”，这表明会议的主要目的是商议新产品开发。
文章中明确提到“他们需要商议新产品的设计、市场定位以及生产成本”，这表明会议的主要目的是商议新产品开发。
小明和朋友们坐下来商议的目的是什么？
Read this passage:
小明和他的朋友们周末想一起出去玩。但是每个人想去的地方都不一样，有的人想看电影，有的人想去公园，还有的人想在家打游戏。为了找到一个大家都满意的方案，他们坐下来认真商议。
小明和朋友们坐下来商议的目的是什么？
文章中提到“为了找到一个大家都满意的方案，他们坐下来认真商议”，所以目的是找出大家都满意的周末活动。
文章中提到“为了找到一个大家都满意的方案，他们坐下来认真商议”，所以目的是找出大家都满意的周末活动。
班长和老师商议的主要内容是什么？
Read this passage:
学校的期末考试安排出来了，有些同学觉得时间太紧，复习不过来。于是，班长代表大家去和老师商议，希望能调整一下考试时间。老师听取了大家的意见，并表示会考虑。
班长和老师商议的主要内容是什么？
文中明确指出“班长代表大家去和老师商议，希望能调整一下考试时间”，因此主要内容是调整考试时间。
文中明确指出“班长代表大家去和老师商议，希望能调整一下考试时间”，因此主要内容是调整考试时间。
在做出任何重大决定之前，我们应该先好好____。
The context implies a need for discussion before a major decision.
这个复杂的项目需要所有部门主管一起____。
When complex projects involve multiple departments, discussing is the natural action.
双方代表坐下来，就合同条款进行了长时间的____。
Long discussions about contract terms are best described by '商议' or '谈判', but '商议' fits the general context of conferring.
我们正在____如何更好地利用这些资源。
To decide how to best use resources often involves discussion and conferring.
关于公司的未来发展方向，董事会需要进行深入的____。
A board of directors would typically confer on major future directions.
遇到问题时，团队成员应该及时聚在一起____解决办法。
When encountering problems, teams discuss to find solutions.
This sentence structure places the topic first ('Regarding the future development direction of the company'), followed by the subject and the action ('they need to conduct in-depth discussions').
The sentence begins with a purpose clause ('In order to solve this complex problem'), then states the subject and action ('experts have held meetings many times to discuss').
This sentence emphasizes the prerequisite for making significant decisions ('Before making any major decisions'), followed by the necessity of discussion ('we must fully discuss with all relevant parties').
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
More communication words
承认
A2to admit; to acknowledge
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1to agree
虽然...但是...
A2although...but...
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
