磋商 cuōshāng to consult
to consult; to discuss seriously; to negotiate; to confer; negotiations; consultations
How to remember 磋商: 磋 to polish + 商 trade = to consult.
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How it is used
- To hold serious negotiations / consultations - 双方就贸易问题进行磋商 (shuāngfāng jiù màoyì wèntí jìnxíng cuōshāng) the two sides held consultations on trade issues.
- Formal, diplomatic/business register. More deliberative and equal than 谈判 (bargaining) - it emphasizes careful mutual discussion to reach agreement.