noun HSK 2
Traditional 話
word · speech · 话 · 话 to say · language
Meaning
话 means 'word,' 'speech,' or 'what is said.' It refers to spoken language, statements, or conversations. This is one of the most fundamental words in Chinese for discussing communication.
Usage
话 appears in countless common expressions and compounds. It can stand alone meaning 'words/speech' or combine with other characters to form words like 说话 (to speak), 电话 (telephone), 笑话 (joke). Native speakers use it constantly in everyday conversation.
Examples
- 01他说的话很有道理。.What he said makes a lot of sense.
- 02我有话要跟你说。.I have something to say to you.
Measure words
- 句一句话
- 番一番话
Common collocations
- 说话to speak
- 听话to be obedient
- 电话telephone
- 没话说nothing to say, beyond reproach
Origin
The traditional form 話 combines the speech radical 言 (words/speech) with 舌 (tongue), directly representing the concept of words produced by the tongue.