Chinese word

聊

Pronunciation

Pinyinliáo

Meaning

  • verbchat

Example

我们聊一会儿吧。wǒ men liáo yí huìr ba

Let's chat for a while.

Illustration for 聊 (chat)

More examples

晚饭后他们常常在微信上聊家常。wǎn fàn hòu tā men cháng cháng zài wēi xìn shàng liáo jiā cháng

After dinner, they often chat about everyday matters on WeChat.

Core concept

A brief, easy exchange of words with no formal agenda.

Common phrases

  • 闲聊xián liáo

    chat casually

  • 聊家常liáo jiā cháng

    chat about everyday matters

Similar words

聊天liáo tiān: Have relaxed small talk with someone, either in person or online.
说话shuō huà: Speak or talk using spoken words to express something.
谈话tán huà: Talk with others to discuss opinions, facts, or a situation.
交流jiāo liú: Exchange information or feelings with one another.

Definition in Chinese

用轻松随意的语气与人谈短暂或无关紧要的话题，表示随便说几句或交谈一会儿的动作。yòng qīng sōng suí yì de yǔ qì yǔ rén tán duǎn zàn huò wú guān jǐn yào de huà tí biǎo shì suí biàn shuō jǐ jù huò jiāo tán yí huìr de dòng zuò

Word origin

The modern sense of 聊 (liáo, "chat") is commonly connected with older uses meaning "for a while" or "for the moment", linking a short period with a brief, informal exchange.

Usage tips

  • For an everyday invitation, adding a short time phrase makes the request sound low-pressure; a serious meeting usually names its topic or purpose.

Other meanings

  • talkverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 聊家常liáo jiā chángchat about everyday mattersverb
  • 闲聊xián liáochat casuallyverb

Word lists with this word