How to Write 讨 (tǎo) — Meaning “To demand or discuss”

Imagine a person using words (讠) to ask for exactly one inch (寸) of something, like demanding a tiny piece of cake. This picture of 'speech plus an inch' helps you recall that 讨 means to demand or discuss a specific amount.

Write the radical 讠 first with two strokes (a short horizontal then a vertical hook), then the right side 寸 with three strokes: horizontal, vertical hook, and finally the dot. A common mistake is placing the dot too far right instead of just below the hook of 寸, so keep the dot close and centered.

讨 (tǎo) uses 寸 on the right and means to discuss or demand, while 计 uses 十 (ten) and means to calculate or plan, and 订 uses 丁 (nail) and means to agree or book. Visually, the right side differs: 寸, 十, and 丁 each have distinct strokes, so focus on the right component to tell them apart.

讨 appears in everyday words like 讨论 (tǎo lùn, to discuss) for conversations, 讨厌 (tǎo yàn, to dislike) for annoyance, and 讨价 (tǎo jià) for bargaining, which is common in markets. Cultural note: bargaining (讨价还价) is a normal social skill in many Chinese markets, reflecting the character’s idea of verbally negotiating a price.

Common words containing 讨 include: 讨论 (tǎo lùn) — To discuss; 讨厌 (tǎo yàn) — To dislike or find annoying; 讨价 (tǎo jià) — To bargain or ask for a price.