Definition
唱反调 is a verb-object idiom (离合词) meaning to intentionally express a contrary opinion or oppose someone, often just for the sake of being different. You can insert measure words or aspect markers between the two parts — e.g., 唱了一次反调 ('sang a dissenting tune once'). The tone is slightly negative, implying obstinacy or uncooperativeness rather than constructive disagreement. It's commonly used in workplace or group discussions.
v.o.
to deliberately take an opposing viewto sing a different tune
Examples
- 唱反调。Tā zǒng xǐhuan zài tǎolùn zhōng chàng fǎn diào.He always likes to take an opposing view in discussions.
- ，唱反调。Biérén dōu zànchéng, zhǐyǒu tā yí gè rén chàng fǎn diào.Everyone else agreed — only she was the one to sing a different tune.
- ，。Tā zài huìyì shàng chàng le yí cì fǎn diào, jiéguǒ dàjiā dōu bù gāoxìng.He aired an opposing view once at the meeting, and as a result everyone was unhappy.
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