empty talk; idle discussion; impractical theorizing
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to engage in empty or unrealistic talk; idle discussion
literaryOriginally 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.
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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.