討 (tǎo) - To discuss & to demand
討 · tǎo
To discuss;
to demand;
to ask for;
to send armed forces to suppress;
to denounce;
to marry (a woman);
to incur.
To discussto demandto ask for
Usage highlights
To discussTo demand paymentTo beg for foodTo suppress rebellionTo study and researchTo curry favor
Usage & contexts
Examples
- We need to discuss this matter (讨论这件事).
- The rebels were suppressed by the army (讨伐叛军).
- He begged for food (讨饭).
- She denounced his behavior (讨伐他的行为).
- That child is very likable (那个孩子很讨人喜欢).
Collocations
- To discuss(讨论)
- To demand payment(讨债)
- To beg for food(讨饭)
- To suppress rebellion(讨伐)
- To study and research(研讨)
- To curry favor(讨好)
Idioms
- To march on a punitive expedition(兴师讨罪)
- To face the scorn of the people(讨没趣)
- To act recklessly and court disaster(讨苦吃)
- To deliberately make things difficult for someone(讨价还价)
- To be publicly denounced(讨伐声讨)
Cultural background
FAQ- Originally meant 'to organize, to put in order' in ancient texts, later extended to mean 'to discuss' and 'to demand'.
- In military context, 讨 carries the meaning of 'punitive expedition' against those who violate righteousness.
- The character combines 言 (speech) and 寸 (measure), suggesting measured discussion or demanding according to rules.