吵架
chǎo jià HSK 5

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

他们昨天吵架了。
Tāmen zuótiān chǎojià le.
They quarreled yesterday.
别和父母吵架。
Bié hé fùmǔ chǎojià.
Don't quarrel with your parents.
吵架不能解决问题。
Chǎojià bù néng jiějué wèntí.
Quarreling cannot solve problems.
他们吵架了。
Tāmen chǎojià le.
They quarreled.
别跟我吵架。
Bié gēn wǒ chǎojià.
Don't quarrel with me.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 吵 (chǎo) means 'noisy' or 'to make noise,' and 架 (jià) can mean 'frame' or 'support,' but here it implies a 'fight' (as in 打架, to fight physically). Think of 'making a noisy fight' to remember it involves loud arguing.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It appears in everyday contexts, such as among family members, friends, or colleagues, to describe arguments. It is less formal than terms like '争论' (debate) and often implies a more emotional or personal clash.

📖 Grammar Points

吵架 is often used as a separable verb (离合词), e.g., '吵了一架' (had a quarrel). It commonly follows the structure '跟/和 + person + 吵架,' as in '他跟我吵架' (He quarreled with me). It can also be used in resultative complements like '吵完架' (after quarreling).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, open conflict like 吵架 is generally discouraged as it disrupts harmony (和谐), but it's acknowledged as a common part of relationships. Mediation by a third party is often valued to resolve such disputes, especially in family settings.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to '争论' (zhēnglùn, to debate), which is more rational and focused on issues, 吵架 is emotional and personal. '争吵' (zhēngchǎo) is a close synonym but can be slightly more formal or literary, while 吵架 is more colloquial and implies louder, more intense conflict.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 吵架 in CILI →

Related Words