Definition

1. Verb:
   • To negotiate: To discuss something formally in order to reach an agreement, especially in business, politics, or diplomacy. This is the core meaning, involving a process of dialogue and bargaining between parties.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hai công ty đang thương thuyết về hợp đồng mới. (The two companies are negotiating a new contract.)
  • Chính phủ sẵn sàng thương thuyết để đạt được hòa bình. (The government is ready to negotiate to achieve peace.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "thương thuyết" carries a formal and serious tone, typically used for official, high-stakes, or complex discussions, such as between governments, corporations, or in legal contexts. It implies a structured process aimed at resolving differences.

Variants and Related Words

• Đàm phán (v/n): A very close synonym, also meaning "to negotiate" or "negotiation." It is often used interchangeably with "thương thuyết."
• Cuộc thương thuyết (n): A negotiation session or series of talks.
  • Cuộc thương thuyết kéo dài nhiều ngày. (The negotiation session lasted for many days.)
• Bàn bạc (v): To discuss, to talk over. This is a more general term for discussion and is less formal than "thương thuyết."

Synonyms

• Negotiate: To try to reach an agreement through discussion.
• Confer: To have discussions; to exchange opinions.
• Parley: A formal word for a conference between opposing sides.

Related Idioms

• While "thương thuyết" itself is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, the concept is central to phrases like:
  • Ngồi vào bàn thương thuyết: To come to the negotiating table.

    • Các bên xung đột cuối cùng đã ngồi vào bàn thương thuyết. (The conflicting parties finally came to the negotiating table.)