Definition
打圆场 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to mediate a dispute' or 'to smooth things over.' Its structure is verb-object: 打 (to do/make) + 圆场 (a metaphorical 'round field' for a harmonious situation). You can split the two parts to insert a measure word, an aspect marker, or a modifier—for example, 打了个圆场 ('intervened to smooth things over') or 打着圆场 ('while smoothing things over'). It's used when a third party steps in during an awkward or tense social situation to defuse conflict or save face.
v.o.
to mediate a quarrelto smooth things over
Examples
- ，打圆场，。Kàndào liǎng gè tóngshì zhēnglùn bùxiū, tā gǎnjǐn chūlái dǎ yuán chǎng, shuō dàjiā dōu shì wèile gōngzuò.Seeing his two colleagues arguing endlessly, he quickly stepped in to smooth things over, saying everyone was just doing it for the work.
- ，，。Péngyou chǎo de miànhóng'ěrchì, wǒ liánmáng dǎ le ge yuánchǎng, tíyì xiān chīfàn zài shuō.My friends were quarreling fiercely, so I quickly mediated by suggesting we eat first and talk later.
- ，打圆场，。Tánpàn xiànrù jiāngjú shí, Zhōngfāng dàibiǎo yōumò de dǎ yuán chǎng, huǎnhé le qìfēn.When the negotiations reached a stalemate, the Chinese representative humorously smoothed things over and eased the atmosphere.
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