qīngtán

清谈

Word · VerbTraditional清談

empty talk; idle discussion; impractical theorizing

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

1 sense · 3 examples
1.

verb

to engage in empty or unrealistic talk; idle discussion

literary

Originally referred to the 'pure conversations' (Xuanxue) among Wei and Jin dynasty literati who disdained practical affairs in favor of metaphysical speculation. Later acquired a negative connotation of impractical theorizing that neglects real-world problems. Often used in formal or literary contexts.

Qīng清
tán谈
wù误
guó国
 。

Empty talk harms the nation.

Wèi魏
Jìn晋
shí时
qī期
 ,
shì士
dà大
fū夫
chóng崇
shàng尚
qīng清
tán谈
 ,
bù不
wù务
shí实
jì际
 。

During the Wei and Jin dynasties, literati revered pure talk and neglected practical affairs.

Show 1 more example
Wǒ我
men们
bù不
yào要
zhǐ只
zhǐ纸
shàng上
qīng清
tán谈
 ,
yào要
fù付
zhū诸
xíng行
dòng动
 。

We should not just engage in empty talk on paper; we must put it into action.