論 (lùn) - Discuss, discourse, theory, doctrine & to discuss or discourse upon

論Tone 4

lùn ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

論 · lùn

Discuss, discourse, theory, doctrine;

to discuss or discourse upon;

a statement, opinion, or view;

also refers to a thesis or treatise.

Discuss, discourse, theory, doctrineto discuss or discourse upona statement, opinion, or view

Usage highlights

To discussArgument/DebateCommentary/ReviewTheoryThesis/DissertationEditorial

Synonyms

  • 谈— to talk, chat
  • 说— to speak, say
  • 议— to deliberate, discuss

Antonyms

  • 默— silent, taciturn

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We need to discuss this issue (讨论这个问题).
  • He wrote a thesis on philosophy (哲学论文).
  • This is an important theory (重要理论).
  • The editorial expresses the newspaper's opinion (社论).

Collocations

  • To discuss(讨论)
  • Argument/Debate(辩论)
  • Commentary/Review(评论)
  • Theory(理论)
  • Thesis/Dissertation(论文)
  • Editorial(社论)

Idioms

  • Sit and talk about lofty matters(坐而论道)
  • Discussing the world's affairs(论天下事)
  • Argue strenuously(争论不休)
  • Cannot be discussed in the same terms(不可同日而语)
  • Strange tales from Liaozhai (《聊斋志异》) - originally 聊斋志异, but often discussed in literary theory(论)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 論 is composed of 言 (speech) and 侖 (order, sequence), implying orderly discourse or reasoned argument.
  • In classical Chinese philosophy, 'lun' (論) often referred to systematic treatises or discourses on principles, such as in the 'Analects' (论语).
  • It is central to academic and intellectual contexts, denoting formal discussion, theory, and scholarly work.

FAQ