Definition
打听 (dǎting) means to ask around or inquire informally by seeking information from people, often by making casual inquiries. It is more specific than the general 问 (wèn 'to ask') and less formal than 询问 (xúnwèn 'to inquire formally'). Use 打听 when you are trying to find out something by talking to others, not by checking documents (查询) or accusing (质问).
verb
to ask aroundto inquire (by seeking information from others)
Easily confused
- 打折dǎ zhélook-aliketo give a discount; to offer a discount
- 大厅dà tīngsound-alikehall, large room (in a building)
- 打断dǎ duànlook-aliketo interrupt (someone speaking)
Examples
- 打听。Wǒ bāng nǐ dǎ ting yíxià tā de diànhuà hàomǎ.Let me ask around for his phone number.
- 打听？Nǐ dǎ ting dào nà jiàn shì de zhēnxiàng le ma?Did you find out the truth about that matter?
- 打听。Tā dàochù dǎ ting xīn gōngzuò de xiāoxi.He's asking around everywhere for news about a new job.
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