讨 (tǎo) - To discuss & to demand

讨Tone 3

tǎo ｜ 5 strokes ｜ radical: 讠

檀婷

讨 · tǎo

To discuss;

to demand;

to ask for;

to beg;

to condemn;

to send a punitive expedition against.

To discussto demandto ask for

Usage highlights

DiscussBeg for foodAsk for adviceSuppress rebellionDemand paymentCourt favor

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Let's discuss this matter (讨论这件事).
  • The teacher asked for our opinions (征求/讨教我们的意见).
  • He begged for food on the street (在街上讨饭).
  • The army was sent to suppress the rebellion (派兵讨伐叛乱).

Collocations

  • Discuss(讨论)
  • Beg for food(讨饭)
  • Ask for advice(讨教)
  • Suppress rebellion(讨伐)
  • Demand payment(讨债)
  • Court favor(讨好)

Idioms

  • To incur dislike(讨人嫌)
  • To curry favor(讨便宜)
  • To seek trouble(自讨苦吃)
  • To court disaster(讨没趣)
  • To demand repayment of a debt(讨债鬼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines the speech radical (讠) with 寸 (measure, inch), suggesting measured or formal speech.
  • Historically used in military contexts meaning 'to punish' or 'to send an expedition against'.
  • In modern usage, often carries negative connotations when used alone (e.g., 讨厌 - dislike, 讨饭 - beg).

FAQ