协商

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 双方通过协商解决了问题。▶ —
   The two sides resolved the issue through negotiation.
2. 有事好商量，凡事多协商。▶ —
   Talk things over when issues arise; consult on everything.

Collocations

Mnemonic

协 xié "to cooperate, harmonize" + 商 shāng "to discuss, deliberate": to deliberate together cooperatively, i.e. to negotiate, to consult. Same as the Korean word hyeop-sang (協商). Parties discussing as equals to reach agreement (友好协商 friendly negotiation, 协商一致 consensus through consultation). Unlike 调解 (mediation with a third party), 协商 is the parties discussing directly themselves. 协 means "to cooperate" (协作, 协助); 商 means "to discuss, trade" (商量, 商业).

Related

Quick check

1. What characterizes 协商 versus 调解?

   • the parties discuss directly
   • a third party mediates
   • a court rules
   • police investigate