Definition
圆场 is a separable verb (离合词) that means 'to mediate a dispute' or 'to smooth over an awkward situation' — it's almost always used in the fixed phrase 打圆场 (dǎ yuánchǎng). The verb 打 can split from 圆场 when you insert a measure word or complement: 打了个圆场 ('mediated once'), 打打圆场 ('mediate a bit'). You can also say 替某人圆场 ('to smooth things over for someone'). The concept is culturally specific — it's about defusing tension in a social setting, not formal mediation.
v.o.
to mediate a disputeto smooth over a situation (often in 打圆场)
Examples
- ，。Tā kàn qìfēn bú duì, gǎnjǐn chūlái dǎ yuán chǎng.He saw the atmosphere was off and quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
- ，。Dàjiā chǎo qǐlái de shíhou, tā dǎ le ge yuánchǎng.When everyone started arguing, she mediated and calmed things down.
- ，。Lǎobǎn tì wǒ shuō le jǐ jù hǎo huà, bāng wǒ yuán le chǎng.The boss said a few good words on my behalf and helped smooth things over for me.
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