Definition
话家常 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to chat about everyday family matters' or 'to have small talk about home life'. The first syllable 话 acts as the verb ('to talk about'), and 家常 functions as the object ('domestic trivia'). Like other separable verbs, you can insert elements between 话 and 家常, such as 话了一会儿家常 ('chatted for a while about home stuff'). This word is used in casual, warm contexts — visiting relatives, catching up with neighbors, or relaxing with close friends. It's more specific than 聊天 (liáotiān 'chat'), emphasizing content that is family- and household-related.
v.o.
to chitchat about everyday domestic/family mattersto make small talk about home life
Examples
- ，～。Zhōumò huí lǎojiā, gēn fùmǔ huà jiā shì zuì kāixīn de shì.Going back to my hometown on weekends and chitchatting with my parents is the happiest thing.
- 。Liǎng gè línjū zài yuànzi lǐ huà le yíhuìr jiācháng.The two neighbors chatted about family matters in the yard for a while.
- ～。Tā yìbiān hē chá yìbiān gēn wǒ huà jiā.She chatted with me about home life while drinking tea.
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