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shāngliang: 商量 - To Discuss, To Consult, To Talk Over

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: 商量, shāngliang, discuss in Chinese, how to say consult in Chinese, talk things over in Chinese, Chinese word for negotiate, 商量 vs 讨论, shāngliang meaning, Chinese culture, collaborative decision making.
  • Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 商量 (shāngliang), which means “to discuss,” “to consult,” or “to talk over.” This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use. Discover how 商量 (shāngliang) is different from the English “discuss” or the Chinese `讨论 (tǎolùn)`, and understand its connection to the cultural value of collaborative, harmonious decision-making in China. With 10+ example sentences, you'll learn how to use this HSK 3 verb naturally in everyday conversations.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): shāngliang
  • Part of Speech: Verb
  • HSK Level: HSK 3
  • Concise Definition: To consult with others in order to exchange opinions and reach a collective decision.
  • In a Nutshell: 商量 (shāngliang) isn't just about talking; it's about talking together to solve a problem or make a choice. It has a friendly, collaborative, and practical feel. Think of it as putting your heads together with someone—a friend, a family member, or a colleague—to figure something out. The goal is consensus, not winning an argument.

Character Breakdown

  • 商 (shāng): This character's primary meaning is “commerce,” “trade,” or “business.” It also refers to the Shang Dynasty. In this context, think of the deliberation and consultation inherent in making a deal.
  • 量 (liáng): This character means “to measure” or “to gauge.” It implies careful consideration and weighing of options.
  • When combined, 商量 (shāngliang) paints a vivid picture: “to measure and deliberate as if in a trade.” It's the process of weighing different viewpoints and measuring possibilities to arrive at a mutually agreeable outcome, much like two merchants settling on a fair price.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • 商量 (shāngliang) is a window into the Chinese emphasis on collectivism and social harmony (和谐, héxié). Unlike the often individualistic approach in the West where a decision might be made by one person in charge, Chinese culture frequently favors a collaborative process. Using 商量 shows respect for others' opinions and a desire to maintain a good relationship.
  • Comparison to “Discuss” or “Negotiate”:
    • In English, “to discuss” can be a neutral exchange of information without a specific goal (e.g., “The book club will discuss the novel.”).
    • “To negotiate” often implies a more formal, sometimes adversarial, context where two distinct sides try to get the best deal for themselves (e.g., “negotiating a contract”).
    • 商量 (shāngliang) fits in a unique space. It's goal-oriented like “negotiate” (the goal is a decision) but collaborative and relationship-focused like a friendly chat. It's the preferred method for making decisions within a family, among friends, or in a close-knit team, as it avoids direct confrontation and ensures everyone feels heard.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • 商量 is an extremely common, everyday verb.
  • In the Family: This is where 商量 is used most frequently. Family members will 商量 everything from what to eat for dinner to major life decisions like buying a house or choosing a school.
    • Example: “我们商量一下暑假去哪儿玩吧。” (Let's discuss where to go for summer vacation.)
  • With Friends: Used for making plans together. It's the go-to word for deciding on activities in a group.
    • Example: “我们商量一下周末的安排。” (Let's talk over the plan for the weekend.)
  • At Work: In the workplace, 商量 is used for informal collaboration among peers or with a supervisor on a specific task. It implies a less formal setting than a scheduled meeting (会议, huìyì). For high-stakes, formal negotiations with external parties, the word 谈判 (tánpàn) is more appropriate.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 我想找你商量一件事。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng zhǎo nǐ shāngliang yí jiàn shì.
    • English: I want to discuss something with you.
    • Analysis: A very common and polite way to initiate a conversation where you need someone's input. The structure “找你 (zhǎo nǐ)” literally means “to look for you,” but here it means “to come to you” for a purpose.
  • Example 2:
    • 这件事我得跟父母商量一下。
    • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shì wǒ děi gēn fùmǔ shāngliang yíxià.
    • English: I have to discuss this matter with my parents.
    • Analysis: This highlights the cultural importance of consulting with family, especially elders. `跟 (gēn)… 商量` is a key structure meaning “to discuss with…”
  • Example 3:
    • 我们商量了半天，最后决定去看电影。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen shāngliang le bàntiān, zuìhòu juédìng qù kàn diànyǐng.
    • English: We discussed it for a long time and finally decided to go see a movie.
    • Analysis: This shows the process and the result. `半天 (bàntiān)`, literally “half a day,” is a common expression for “a long time.”
  • Example 4:
    • 关于这个项目，我们商量一下怎么分工吧。
    • Pinyin: Guānyú zhège xiàngmù, wǒmen shāngliang yíxià zěnme fēngōng ba.
    • English: Regarding this project, let's discuss how to divide the work.
    • Analysis: A perfect example of its use in a collaborative work environment. It's about planning and coordinating together.
  • Example 5:
    • 你看这件事还有商量的余地吗？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ kàn zhè jiàn shì hái yǒu shāngliang de yúdì ma?
    • English: Do you think there's still any room for discussion on this matter?
    • Analysis: Here, `商量` is used almost as a noun concept. `商量的余地 (shāngliang de yúdì)` means “room for discussion/negotiation.”
  • Example 6:
    • 别吵了，我们坐下来好好商量。
    • Pinyin: Bié chǎo le, wǒmen zuò xiàlái hǎohǎo shāngliang.
    • English: Stop arguing, let's sit down and talk it over properly.
    • Analysis: This sentence positions 商量 as the solution to a conflict—a calm, rational alternative to arguing. `好好 (hǎohǎo)` means “properly” or “in a good way.”
  • Example 7:
    • 他买车这么大的事，居然没跟老婆商量！
    • Pinyin: Tā mǎi chē zhème dà de shì, jūrán méi gēn lǎopó shāngliang!
    • English: Buying a car is such a big deal, and he actually didn't discuss it with his wife!
    • Analysis: This demonstrates the social expectation of using 商量 for important decisions within a relationship. The use of `居然 (jūrán)` expresses surprise or disbelief.
  • Example 8:
    • 让我跟我的团队商量一下，明天给你答复。
    • Pinyin: Ràng wǒ gēn wǒ de tuánduì shāngliang yíxià, míngtiān gěi nǐ dáfù.
    • English: Let me discuss it with my team, and I'll give you a reply tomorrow.
    • Analysis: A polite and professional way to defer a decision in a business context, showing that you value your team's input.
  • Example 9:
    • 价格方面，咱们可以再商量商量。
    • Pinyin: Jiàgé fāngmiàn, zánmen kěyǐ zài shāngliang shāngliang.
    • English: Regarding the price, we can discuss it a bit more.
    • Analysis: The verb reduplication (`商量商量`) softens the tone and makes it more casual and tentative, implying “let's have a little chat about it.” It's very common in spoken Chinese.
  • Example 10:
    • 这个问题没什么好商量的，就这么定了。
    • Pinyin: Zhège wèntí méishénme hǎo shāngliang de, jiù zhème dìng le.
    • English: There's nothing to discuss about this issue; it's decided.
    • Analysis: This negative form shows finality. The speaker is shutting down any further conversation, indicating a decision has been made and is not open to change.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The “商量 (shāngliang)” vs. “讨论 (tǎolùn)” Trap: This is the most common pitfall for learners.
    • 商量 (shāngliang): Use this when the goal is to make a decision or solve a practical problem together. It's about “what should we do?”.
      • Correct: 我们商量一下去哪儿吃饭。(Let's decide where to eat.)
    • 讨论 (tǎolùn): Use this for a more formal or academic discussion to explore a topic or exchange views, not necessarily to make a decision. It's about “what do we think about this?”.
      • Correct: 教授们在讨论这个理论。(The professors are discussing this theory.)
    • Common Mistake: Saying “教授们在商量这个理论。” (The professors are deciding this theory.) This is incorrect because theories are explored and debated (`讨论`), not decided upon like a dinner plan.
  • False Friend: “Negotiate”
    • While 商量 can sometimes be translated as “negotiate” in informal contexts (like haggling at a market), do not use it for formal negotiations. For contract talks, diplomatic meetings, or business deals, the correct term is 谈判 (tánpàn).
    • Incorrect: 两国正在商量贸易协定。(The two countries are informally chatting about a trade agreement.)
    • Correct: 两国正在谈判贸易协定。(The two countries are negotiating a trade agreement.)

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 讨论 (tǎolùn) - To discuss (more formal, academic, focused on exploring a topic rather than making a decision).
  • 谈判 (tánpàn) - To negotiate (formal, often between two opposing sides).
  • 协商 (xiéshāng) - To consult, to negotiate (very formal, often used in legal or official contexts).
  • 商议 (shāngyì) - A more formal, often written, synonym for `商量`.
  • 决定 (juédìng) - To decide; the ultimate goal of a `商量`.
  • 建议 (jiànyì) - Suggestion; a proposal made during a `商量`.
  • 意见 (yìjiàn) - Opinion; the ideas exchanged during a `商量`.
  • 同意 (tóngyì) - To agree; a potential outcome of a `商量`.
  • 和谐 (héxié) - Harmony; the cultural value that underpins the preference for `商量` over direct confrontation.