Meaning
对话 refers to a conversation or dialogue between two or more people. It can be used as a noun to describe the exchange of words, or as a verb meaning to engage in conversation. The word is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, from everyday conversations to formal diplomatic exchanges.
Usage
对话 is neutral in register and widely used in educational materials, diplomatic contexts, and everyday speech. It often appears in textbook exercises (课文对话) and describes structured conversations. When used as a verb, it typically takes 和/与 (with) to indicate the conversation partner, as in 与某人对话.
Examples
- 01我们需要通过对话来解决这个问题。.We need to resolve this problem through dialogue.
- 02请大家看课本第五页的对话。.Everyone please look at the dialogue on page five of the textbook.
Characters
Measure words
- 段一段对话
- 次一次对话
Common collocations
- 对话框dialog box (computing)
- 进行对话to conduct a dialogue
- 课文对话textbook dialogue
- 对话能力conversational ability
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 对 (facing/toward) with 话 (speech/words), literally meaning 'speech directed at each other,' which naturally evolved to mean dialogue or conversation.