商量
shāng liang HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我们商量一下计划。
Wǒmen shāngliang yīxià jìhuà.
Let's discuss the plan.
他和朋友商量问题。
Tā hé péngyǒu shāngliang wèntí.
He discusses problems with friends.
商量后,我们决定去公园。
Shāngliang hòu, wǒmen juédìng qù gōngyuán.
After discussing, we decided to go to the park.
我们商量一下。
Wǒmen shāngliang yīxià.
Let's discuss it.
他们商量计划。
Tāmen shāngliang jìhuà.
They are discussing the plan.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 商 (shāng) as in 'business' or 'commerce'—where people negotiate—and 量 (liang) as 'measure' or 'consider.' Together, they mean 'to measure opinions through discussion.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and common in both spoken and written Chinese. It is often used in personal, family, or workplace contexts where joint decision-making is needed.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used with objects like 事情, 问题, or people (e.g., 和...商量). It can be reduplicated as 商量商量 to suggest 'let's discuss a bit.' Common pattern: Subject + 和/跟 + Person + 商量 + Matter.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 商量 reflects the value of collectivism and harmony, emphasizing group consultation rather than individual decision-making, especially in family or team settings.

🔄 Similar Words

讨论 (tǎolùn) also means 'to discuss' but often implies a more formal or in-depth debate, while 商量 focuses more on consultation for agreement. 协商 (xiéshāng) is more formal, used in negotiations or official contexts.

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