打听 dǎting to ask about
to ask about; to make some inquiries; to ask around
How to remember 打听: 打 hit + 听 listen = to ask about.
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How it is used
- To ask around / inquire about - 打听消息 (dǎting xiāoxi) ask around for news; 我帮你打听一下 I'll make some inquiries for you.
- Casual information-gathering by asking people, often about someone/something you're curious about. Note 听 is toneless (dǎting).
- Different from 问 (wèn, to ask a direct question): 打听 is nosing around/finding out, often indirectly.