To inquire or ask around to obtain specific information about people or events.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To ask around to gather information.
- Used when seeking news or details about something.
- Implies an active effort to find answers.
Overview
- 1概览：“打听”是一个非常常用的动词，核心含义是“询问”或“探听”。它通常用于你不知道某事，或者想获取关于某人、某地或某事的最新消息时。它带有一种主动寻求信息的意图。2) 用法模式：常见结构为“打听+名词（如：地址、消息、下落）”或“打听+关于……的情况”。也可以使用“向某人打听某事”的结构。3) 常见语境：在日常生活中，我们常打听朋友的近况、打听某家餐厅的营业时间、或者打听某人的住址。它既可以用于熟人之间，也可以用于向陌生人询问路况或信息。4) 近义词辨析：与“询问”相比，“打听”更侧重于主动探求非公开或非即时的信息，带有一定的“搜集”色彩；而“询问”则更中性，常用于直接获取答案。
Examples
我正在打听去机场的路线。
everydayI am asking around for the route to the airport.
请问您能帮我打听一下会议的时间吗？
formalCould you please help me inquire about the meeting time?
别到处打听别人的隐私。
informalDon't go around asking about people's privacy.
研究人员正在打听当地居民的意见。
academicResearchers are inquiring about the opinions of local residents.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
打听一下
let me ask / just asking
多方打听
ask around from multiple sources
别打听了
don't ask / stop asking
Often Confused With
Inquiry is more neutral and formal. '打听' implies a more casual or investigative approach.
Consulting is for professional advice. '打听' is for general information.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '打听' in casual or semi-formal social interactions. It is not suitable for formal business or academic writing where '咨询' is preferred. Avoid using it to ask about sensitive personal information unless you are very close to the person.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '打听' to mean 'to interview', which is incorrect. Another error is using it as a direct synonym for 'ask' in all contexts, ignoring the 'investigative' nuance. Remember, '打听' usually requires an object of information.
Tips
Focus on the intent of gathering info
Use '打听' when you are actively seeking information that isn't immediately obvious. It's perfect for casual, everyday inquiries.
Avoid using in very formal settings
Be careful not to use '打听' in professional or academic reports. Use '咨询' or '调查' instead to sound more formal.
Social nuance of asking questions
In Chinese culture, '打听' can sometimes feel intrusive if asking about personal privacy. Always be mindful of the relationship with the person you are asking.
Word Origin
The word combines '打' (to hit/perform an action) and '听' (to listen). Historically, it implies the act of going out to listen for news.
Cultural Context
In Chinese social culture, '打听' can sometimes be perceived as 'nosy' (八卦) if the topic is personal. It is important to gauge the relationship before asking questions.
Memory Tip
Think of it as 'hitting the streets' to get info. If you are 'hitting' (打) the pavement to 'listen' (听) for news, you are '打听'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“询问”比较正式且直接，侧重于获取答案；“打听”则带有“探求”的意思，通常指为了了解某事而多方询问。
“打听”多用于口语和非正式场合。在非常正式的会议或商务报告中，建议使用“咨询”或“核实”。
你可以说“我在打听关于……的消息”。如果想表达得礼貌一点，可以说“我想向您请教一下……”。
通常不直接接动词，而是接名词性短语。例如“打听他的下落”是正确的，但“打听怎么走”是可以的，因为“怎么走”在这里作名词性从句。
Test Yourself
我想去火车站，正在向路人___路线。
打听用于向别人询问信息。
Score: /1
Summary
To inquire or ask around to obtain specific information about people or events.
- To ask around to gather information.
- Used when seeking news or details about something.
- Implies an active effort to find answers.
Focus on the intent of gathering info
Use '打听' when you are actively seeking information that isn't immediately obvious. It's perfect for casual, everyday inquiries.
Avoid using in very formal settings
Be careful not to use '打听' in professional or academic reports. Use '咨询' or '调查' instead to sound more formal.
Social nuance of asking questions
In Chinese culture, '打听' can sometimes feel intrusive if asking about personal privacy. Always be mindful of the relationship with the person you are asking.
Examples
4 of 4我正在打听去机场的路线。
I am asking around for the route to the airport.
请问您能帮我打听一下会议的时间吗？
Could you please help me inquire about the meeting time?
别到处打听别人的隐私。
Don't go around asking about people's privacy.
研究人员正在打听当地居民的意见。
Researchers are inquiring about the opinions of local residents.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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.
