verb / noun HSK 5
Traditional 辯論
biàn lùn
to debate · to argue · debate · argument

Meaning

辩论 refers to a formal or informal exchange of opposing views, where people present arguments and counterarguments on a particular topic. It emphasizes logical reasoning and structured discourse rather than emotional quarreling. The word is commonly used in academic, political, and competitive contexts.

Usage

辩论 is used for both the act of debating and the debate itself as an event. In formal settings like debate competitions (辩论赛), it implies structured argumentation with rules. In everyday conversation, it suggests a serious discussion with opposing viewpoints, distinct from 争论 (quarrel) which can be more heated and less structured.

Examples

  1. 01
    我们就这个问题展开了激烈的辩论
    Wǒmen jiù zhège wèntí zhǎn kāi le jīliè de biànlùn.
    We launched into a heated debate on this issue.
  2. 02
    她参加了学校的辩论赛,表现得非常出色。
    cānjiā le xuéxiào de biànlùn sài, biǎoxiàn de fēicháng chūsè.
    She participated in the school debate competition and performed exceptionally well.

Characters

Measure words

  • chǎng一场辩论
  • 两次辩论

Common collocations

  • 辩论
    biàn lùn sài
    debate competition
  • 展开辩论
    zhǎn kāi biàn lùn
    to launch into a debate
  • 激烈的辩论
    liè de biàn lùn
    heated debate
  • 辩论
    biàn lùn huì
    debate session, forum

Antonyms

Origin

辩 originally meant to distinguish or discriminate between things, while 论 means to discuss or theorize. Together they form a word meaning to distinguish truth through discussion and argumentation.

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