Definition
混为一谈 is a four-character idiom meaning 'to lump together as the same' or 'to confuse distinct things'. It's commonly used with the 把 construction: 把 A 和 B 混为一谈 ('treat A and B as the same thing'). This pattern is important: the two items are linked with 和, and the whole phrase emphasizes that they should not be conflated.
f.e.
to confuse (one thing) with (another)to lump together as the same thing
Examples
- 混为一谈。Wǒmen bù néng bǎ àiqíng hé yǒuyì hún.We cannot confuse love with friendship.
- 混为一谈。Lǎoshī tíxǐng dàjiā bú yào bǎ liǎng ge gàiniàn hún.The teacher reminded everyone not to confuse the two concepts.
- 混为一谈。Hěn duō chūxuézhě róngyì bǎ zhè liǎng ge cí hún.Many beginners easily confuse these two words.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.