When discussing diplomatic or high-level meetings, the word 会谈 (huìtán) is often used. It specifically refers to formal talks or conversations, usually between representatives of different groups or nations. Think of it as a formal discussion where important matters are addressed. While it translates to 'talks' or 'meeting,' it carries a more serious and official connotation than a general 'conversation' or 'gathering.' You'll frequently encounter this term in news reports or political contexts.
How Formal Is It?
"两国领导人将进行友好会谈。(The leaders of the two countries will hold friendly talks.)"
"他们正在办公室里谈话。(They are talking in the office.)"
"我们一起去咖啡馆聊天吧。(Let's go to a cafe to chat.)"
"小明喜欢和他的玩具熊说话。(Xiao Ming likes to talk to his teddy bear.)"
"他们几个老朋友又聚在一起侃大山了。(Those old friends got together again to shoot the breeze.)"
Pronunciation Guide
- Not distinguishing between the 'h' and 'hu' sounds.
- Mispronouncing the 'ai' as a long 'i' sound instead of a short 'a' followed by a 'i' sound.
- Incorrectly emphasizing only one syllable too strongly.
Examples by Level
两国领导人进行了友好的会谈。
The leaders of the two countries had a friendly conversation/meeting.
这次会谈取得了积极的成果。
This meeting/talks achieved positive results.
他们就未来的合作进行了会谈。
They held talks/a meeting about future cooperation.
会谈结束后，双方发表了联合声明。
After the talks/meeting, both sides issued a joint statement.
我们期待下次会谈。
We look forward to the next meeting/talks.
这次会谈持续了三个小时。
This meeting/talks lasted for three hours.
外交部发言人谈到了这次会谈的细节。
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson discussed the details of these talks/this meeting.
这次非正式会谈有助于解决一些问题。
This informal meeting/talks helped solve some problems.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
双方举行了会谈。
The two sides held talks. (shuāngfāng jǔxíng le huìtán.)
他正在和客户会谈。
He is currently in talks with a client. (tā zhèngzài hé kèhù huìtán.)
会谈进行得很顺利。
The talks went smoothly. (huìtán jìnxíng de hěn shùnlì.)
他们将举行一次重要的会谈。
They will hold an important meeting. (tāmen jiāng jǔxíng yī cì zhòngyào de huìtán.)
通过多轮会谈，双方终于达成了协议。
Through multiple rounds of talks, both sides finally reached an agreement. (tōngguò duō lún huìtán, shuāngfāng zhōngyú dá chéng le xiéyì.)
这次会谈的目的是为了解决贸易争端。
The purpose of this meeting is to resolve trade disputes. (zhè cì huìtán de mùdì shì wèi le jiějué màoyì zhēngduān.)
How to Use It
会谈 (huìtán): Talks; conversation; meeting
会谈 is a formal word. It’s used to describe official talks between leaders or representatives. It can refer to discussions about serious topics like politics, business, or international relations.
It's typically a noun, as in “the talks between the two countries.” It can also be used as a verb, meaning “to hold talks.”
Examples:
- 中美两国领导人举行了友好的会谈。
The leaders of China and the United States held friendly talks. - 我们期待下个月的贸易会谈。
We look forward to next month's trade talks. - 他们正在就环境问题进行会谈。
They are holding talks on environmental issues.
Common Mistake: Using 会谈 for casual conversations
会谈 is not for everyday chats. It's too formal. Don't use it to describe a casual conversation with a friend or colleague.
Incorrect: 我和朋友昨天晚上会谈了很久。(I had a long 会谈 with my friend last night.)
Correct Alternatives:
- 聊天 (liáotiān): to chat; to talk (casual)
- 谈话 (tánhuà): to talk; a conversation (more general, can be formal or informal)
- 谈论 (tánlùn): to talk about; to discuss (focus on the topic of discussion)
Why it's wrong: 会谈 implies a serious, official discussion with an agenda. For casual talks, use 聊天 or 谈话.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions会谈 (huìtán) refers to formal discussions or meetings, often between representatives or leaders. Think of it as 'talks' in a diplomatic sense. 谈话 (tánhuà) is a more general term for a conversation or chat, usually informal.
No, you shouldn't use 会谈 (huìtán) for a casual chat. It implies a more formal and structured discussion. For a casual chat, you'd use 谈话 (tánhuà) or 聊天 (liáotiān).
会谈 (huìtán) can be either long or short, depending on the topic and participants. The key is its formality, not necessarily its duration.
Generally, yes. 会谈 (huìtán) usually involves serious or important topics that require formal discussion and decision-making, such as political, business, or academic matters.
Yes, 会谈 (huìtán) can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means 'to hold talks' or 'to have a meeting'.
A common phrase is 举行会谈 (jǔxíng huìtán), which means 'to hold talks' or 'to hold a meeting'.
You would say 和平会谈 (hépíng huìtán) for 'peace talks'.
两国领导人举行了会谈。 (Liǎng guó lǐngdǎo rén jǔxíng le huìtán.) This means: The leaders of the two countries held talks.
It depends on the formality. If it's a formal meeting between school administrators or parents and teachers about serious issues, then 会谈 (huìtán) could be appropriate. For a regular class meeting or informal discussion, probably not.
Yes, 会议 (huìyì) is a more general and very common word for 'meeting', especially in a business or organizational context. 会谈 (huìtán) emphasizes the 'talks' aspect of a formal meeting.
Test Yourself 42 questions
我们今天下午有一个重要的___。
The sentence talks about an 'important something' in the afternoon. '会谈' (huìtán) means 'talks' or 'meeting', which fits the context of an important event. The other options are 'eating', 'sleeping', and 'going home'.
老师和学生正在进行___。
The sentence says the teacher and student are 'doing something'. '会谈' (huìtán) means 'talks' or 'conversation', which is appropriate for a teacher and student. The other options are 'running', 'singing', and 'drawing'.
他们需要一个安静的地方来开___。
The sentence indicates a need for a quiet place to 'have something'. '会谈' (huìtán) means 'meeting' or 'talks', which requires a quiet environment. The other options are 'party', 'ball', and 'concert'.
总经理明天会有一个商务___。
The sentence states the general manager will have a 'business something' tomorrow. '会谈' (huìtán) means 'talks' or 'meeting', which fits 'business'. The other options are 'travel', 'shopping', and 'exercise'.
两国领导人正在进行友好___。
The sentence says leaders of two countries are having 'friendly something'. '会谈' (huìtán) means 'talks' or 'conversation', which is suitable for leaders. The other options are 'game', 'competition', and 'performance'.
我刚刚结束了一个漫长的___。
The sentence says 'I just finished a long something'. '会谈' (huìtán) means 'talks' or 'meeting', which can be long. The other options are 'lunch', 'rest', and 'walk'.
Listen and understand 'hello'.
Listen and understand 'thank you'.
Listen and understand 'goodbye'.
Read this aloud:
你好
Focus: nǐ hǎo
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
谢谢
Focus: xiè xie
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
再见
Focus: zài jiàn
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'Our meeting time is 2 PM.' The correct order is Subject (我们) + 会谈 (talks/meeting) + 时间 (time) + 是 (is) + 下午两点 (2 PM) + full stop (。).
This sentence means 'They have an important meeting.' The correct order is Subject (他们) + 有 (have) + 一个 (a) + 重要 (important) + 的 (possessive/adjective marker) + 会谈 (talks/meeting) + full stop (。).
This sentence means 'This meeting was very successful.' The correct order is Subject (这个会谈) + 很 (very) + 成功 (successful) + full stop (。).
Write a short sentence saying that a meeting (会谈) is important.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这次会谈很重要。
Write a sentence saying you will attend a meeting (会谈) tomorrow.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我明天会参加一个会谈。
Write a sentence about having a friendly talk (会谈) with friends.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我和朋友有一个友好的会谈。
Who will attend the meeting (会谈)?
Read this passage:
今天下午有一个重要的会谈。我和同事都会去参加。希望会谈顺利。
Who will attend the meeting (会谈)?
The passage states '我和同事都会去参加' which means 'My colleague and I will both go to attend'.
The passage states '我和同事都会去参加' which means 'My colleague and I will both go to attend'.
What is the meeting (会谈) about?
Read this passage:
他们正在进行一次会谈。会谈内容关于新的计划。他们谈了两个小时。
What is the meeting (会谈) about?
The passage says '会谈内容关于新的计划', meaning 'The content of the talks is about new plans'.
The passage says '会谈内容关于新的计划', meaning 'The content of the talks is about new plans'.
How was yesterday's meeting (会谈)?
Read this passage:
昨天的会谈很成功。我们达成了共识。大家都觉得很高兴。
How was yesterday's meeting (会谈)?
The passage states '昨天的会谈很成功', which translates to 'Yesterday's talks were very successful'.
The passage states '昨天的会谈很成功', which translates to 'Yesterday's talks were very successful'.
Choose the best translation for '会谈'.
会谈 (huìtán) means 'talks', 'conversation', or 'meeting'.
Which word is a synonym for '会谈' in the context of a formal discussion?
会议 (huìyì) also means 'meeting' or 'conference' and can be used in similar formal contexts.
Complete the sentence: 他们正在进行重要的_____。
The sentence means 'They are having important talks/meetings.' 会谈 fits best here.
The word '会谈' is typically used for informal chats between friends.
会谈 (huìtán) usually refers to more formal discussions or meetings, often between representatives or officials.
You can use '会谈' to describe a business negotiation.
Yes, '会谈' is commonly used for business negotiations, diplomatic talks, or other formal discussions.
The sentence '我们有一个愉快的会谈。' (Wǒmen yǒu yīgè yúkuài de huìtán.) means 'We had a pleasant meeting.'
The sentence translates directly to 'We had a pleasant meeting.'
两国领导人就双边关系进行了深入的___。
会谈 (huìtán) specifically refers to formal discussions or talks between representatives, often at a high level, making it the best fit for 'leaders engaged in deep discussions'. 交流 (jiāoliú) is more general for 'exchange', 讨论 (tǎolùn) for 'discussion', and 谈判 (tánpàn) for 'negotiation', which implies reaching an agreement.
经过多轮___，双方终于达成了共识。
会谈 (huìtán) fits well here as it indicates a series of formal discussions aimed at reaching an agreement. 会议 (huìyì) is a general 'meeting', 对话 (duìhuà) is 'dialogue', and 商议 (shāngyì) is 'deliberation', none of which perfectly convey the formal, multi-round nature of the discussions like '会谈'.
此次___旨在解决地区冲突问题。
会谈 (huìtán) is the most appropriate choice when discussing formal talks aimed at resolving serious issues like regional conflict. 聚会 (jùhuì) is a casual 'gathering', 集会 (jíhuì) is a 'rally' or 'assembly', and 会议 (huìyì) is a general 'meeting'.
外交部长将与外国大使进行___。
会谈 (huìtán) is the standard term for formal discussions between high-ranking officials like a foreign minister and an ambassador. 聊天 (liáotiān) is 'chatting', 面谈 (miàntán) is a 'face-to-face talk' (often less formal than 会谈), and 对话 (duìhuà) is 'dialogue', which can be less formal or encompass a broader range of exchanges.
在紧张的___后，双方同意发表联合声明。
会谈 (huìtán) best describes the formal discussions that would precede a joint statement, especially when described as '紧张' (tense). 发言 (fāyán) is 'making a speech', 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng) is a 'lecture' or 'speech', and 汇报 (huìbào) is 'reporting'.
国家元首之间的___吸引了全世界的目光。
会谈 (huìtán) is highly appropriate for formal discussions between heads of state. While 会晤 (huìwù) also means 'meeting' (often formal), 会谈 emphasizes the communicative aspect of the meeting. 交谈 (jiāotán) is 'conversation' (more general), and 沟通 (gōutōng) is 'communication'.
Imagine you are a diplomat preparing for an important international meeting. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) describing the purpose of the '会谈' (talks) and what you hope to achieve.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这次会谈的目的是讨论两国之间的贸易合作。我们希望通过这次会谈能够达成一项互利的协议，解决现有的分歧。这将有助于促进两国关系的进一步发展。
You are a journalist reporting on a crucial negotiation. Describe in 3-4 sentences the atmosphere of the '会谈' (meeting) and the key issues being discussed.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这次能源会谈的气氛非常紧张，双方就关键的供应问题进行了激烈的谈判。主要的议题是如何确保地区能源的稳定供应和公平分配。目前来看，会谈进展缓慢，但各方仍在努力寻求共识。
Write a short email (3-4 sentences) to a colleague summarizing the outcome of a recent '会谈' (conversation) you had with a client. Include what was discussed and the next steps.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你好！我刚刚结束了与李先生的会谈。我们讨论了项目进度和预算调整的问题。总的来说，会谈进展顺利，我们将在下周提交最终方案。请查看会议纪要。
根据这段话，下周的“会谈”的主要目的是什么？
Read this passage:
联合国秘书长表示，期待下周举行的多边会谈能为全球气候变化问题找到新的解决方案。他强调，这次会谈至关重要，因为它将汇集各国领导人共同探讨可持续发展的未来。所有参与者都希望能达成具有约束力的协议。
根据这段话，下周的“会谈”的主要目的是什么？
文章明确提到“为全球气候变化问题找到新的解决方案”是这次会谈的目的。
文章明确提到“为全球气候变化问题找到新的解决方案”是这次会谈的目的。
根据这段话，会谈取得了什么样的进展？
Read this passage:
一位政府发言人今天宣布，与反对派领导人的会谈已取得突破性进展。双方在关键的改革议题上达成初步共识，为结束长期的政治僵局铺平了道路。预计未来几天将签署一份详细的协议。
根据这段话，会谈取得了什么样的进展？
文章中提到“在关键的改革议题上达成初步共识”是突破性进展。
文章中提到“在关键的改革议题上达成初步共识”是突破性进展。
为什么公司高层决定推迟年度战略会谈？
Read this passage:
公司高层决定推迟原定于下个月举行的年度战略会谈。原因是对当前市场状况的不确定性。他们认为，在局势明朗之前，进行深入的战略会谈是不明智的。新的会谈日期将在适当时机宣布。
为什么公司高层决定推迟年度战略会谈？
文章明确指出“原因是对当前市场状况的不确定性”。
文章明确指出“原因是对当前市场状况的不确定性”。
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Example
两国领导人举行了友好的会谈。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
