Meaning
说话 is one of the most fundamental verbs in Mandarin, meaning 'to speak' or 'to talk'. It combines 说 (to say) with 话 (words/speech) to create the basic action of verbal communication. This is typically among the first 100 words beginners learn.
Usage
说话 is used in everyday conversation to refer to the act of speaking in general. It's neutral in register and appropriate for all contexts. Common patterns include 说话的时候 (when speaking) and 会说话 (knows how to speak/is tactful). Native speakers also use 说话 idiomatically to mean 'being tactful' or 'keeping one's word', as in 他很会说话 (he's good with words).
Examples
- 01请小声说话，图书馆里不能大声喧哗。, .Please speak quietly, you can't make loud noises in the library.
- 02他刚学中文三个月，已经可以说话了。, .He's only been learning Chinese for three months, but he can already speak.
Characters
Common collocations
- 说话算数to keep one's word
- 说话的声音the sound of speaking
- 会说话knows how to speak (tactfully)
- 说话方式manner of speaking
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 说 (to speak/say) with 话 (words), literally meaning 'to speak words'. This straightforward combination has been standard in modern Mandarin.