Definition
聊天 is a colloquial separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to chat'. The verb 聊 can be separated from the object 天 by aspect markers (了, 过), duration, or measure words — for example, 聊了一会儿天 ('chatted for a while') or 聊过天 ('have chatted'). You cannot place a direct object after 聊天; instead, use 跟/和 + person before the verb. The word is neutral in tone and covers both casual conversation and light gossip.
v.o.
to chat(colloquial) to gossip
Examples
- 聊天。Wǒmen jīngcháng zài wǎngshàng liáo tiān.We often chat online.
- 。Wǒ gēn tā liáo le yíhuìr tiān.I chatted with him for a while.
- 聊天。Tāmen yìbiān hē chá yìbiān liáo tiān.They chatted while drinking tea.
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