How to Write 谈 (tán) — Meaning “to talk or discuss”

Imagine two people sitting by a campfire (炎, which looks like two flames) having a conversation (讠). The fire represents the warmth and energy of their discussion. This visual of ‘talking by the fire’ can help you recall that 谈 means ‘to talk.’

Write the left radical 讠first as two short strokes, then the right side 炎 with two 火 piles stacked. Note that the bottom 火 has a dot on the right, not a left-slanting stroke. Keep the right side slightly taller than the left to maintain balance.

谈 (tán) means ‘to talk or discuss,’ while 诓 (kuāng) means ‘to deceive or trick’ and 诔 (lěi) means ‘to eulogize or write a memorial essay.’ Visually, 谈 uses the right component 炎 (flame), while 诓 uses 匡 (a frame) and 诔 uses 耒 (a plow). The speech radical is shared, but each has a unique right part that signals different meanings.

谈 is very common in everyday conversation, appearing in words like 谈话 (conversation), 谈判 (negotiation), and 谈心 (heart-to-heart talk). Culturally, Chinese people often use 谈 to emphasize open and sincere discussion, especially in business or personal relationships. It suggests a two-way exchange rather than a one-sided speech.

Common words containing 谈 include: 谈话 (tán huà) — conversation or talk; 谈判 (tán pàn) — negotiation; 谈心 (tán xīn) — to have a heart-to-heart talk.