談

It often denotes civilized, reasoned, or formal speech—distinguished from mere talking (言) or arguing (論).

Phono-semantic compound:

言 (말씀 언) — semantic component, indicating words, speech, or verbal expression.

炎 (불꽃 염) — phonetic component, giving the sound tán / dam and symbolizing brightness or intensity.

Thus 言 + 炎 → 談 — “speech that burns brightly,” i.e., articulate or lively discourse.

The imagery conveys speech that illuminates and warms, suggesting communication that spreads understanding and harmony.

In Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「談，言也。从言，炎聲。」

“談 means speech or conversation; composed of 言 and phonetic 炎.”

Semantic evolution:

Literal: to speak; to express with words.

Social: to converse, to exchange thoughts.

Diplomatic: to negotiate or deliberate (談判).

Philosophical: discourse; refined or enlightening conversation.

Literary: elegant and intelligent talk, often paired with 笑 (담소, “talk and laughter”).

談話 (담화) — conversation; dialogue

談笑 (담소) — to chat pleasantly; light conversation

談判 (담판) — negotiation; conference; to negotiate

談論 (담론) — discourse; public discussion

談天 (담천) — idle talk; chatting about worldly affairs

談義 (담의) — deliberation; moral discussion

面談 (면담) — interview; face-to-face talk

Kangxi Dictionary (康熙字典, vol. 1168):

「談，語也。」

“談 means to speak or to discuss.”

It embodies cultivated conversation and mutual understanding, from casual talk to serious negotiation.

Analects (論語 · 里仁):

「君子欲訥於言而敏於行。」

(Commentary glosses 談 as refined or appropriate speech, contrasting with verbosity.)

Book of Han (漢書 · 賈誼傳):

「與賢士大夫談古論今。」

“He conversed with the worthy scholars, discussing the past and the present.”

Zhuangzi (莊子 · 外物篇):

「以談笑為事。」

“He made conversation and laughter his way of life.”

These citations show that 談 was used not only for speaking but also for philosophical dialogue—reflecting both Confucian and Daoist ideals of cultivated speech.

In Confucian culture, 談 symbolizes measured and virtuous communication—speech guided by moral sense and respect for harmony.

In diplomatic and political usage, 談 carries the sense of formal dialogue or negotiation (as in 회담 (會談), “summit talk”).

In Buddhist and Daoist texts, 談 often appears in contexts of teaching and spiritual discussion, e.g. 法談 (“discourse on the Dharma”).

Across philosophy, politics, and daily life, 談 represents the human capacity to connect, enlighten, and resolve through words — the flame of reason expressed in speech.

Distinction from related character 譚 (말씀 담):

While both share the reading 담,

談 is more general and used for everyday “speech” or “discussion.”

譚 (言 + 覃) often refers to profound, moral, or philosophical discourse—extended speech with depth or gravity.