# 高谈阔论

gāo tán kuò lùn

Talk expansively, often without practical substance

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Speak grandly and discuss broadly

**Traditional Chinese:** 高談闊論

**Register:** Critical · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe sweeping discussion or criticize empty grand talk.

Context determines whether the talk is lively or pretentious.

## Understanding the expression

The words suggest a conversation conducted on a grand scale, ranging widely and confidently across large subjects. Such talk can be lively, but it often sounds detached from practical action. A person may discuss society or management at length while ignoring the immediate task. The criticism is about the gap between impressive speech and useful substance, not merely about speaking loudly or enjoying a long conversation.

## Examples

他高谈阔论，却不肯动手修门。

### Traditional Chinese

他高談闊論，卻不肯動手修門。

tā gāo tán kuò lùn ， què bù kěn dòng shǒu xiū mén 。

He talked grandly but would not help repair the door.

几位朋友在茶馆高谈阔论。

### Traditional Chinese

幾位朋友在茶館高談闊論。

jǐ wèi péng yǒu zài chá guǎn gāo tán kuò lùn 。

Several friends held expansive discussions in the teahouse.

会议需要具体方案，不需要高谈阔论。

### Traditional Chinese

會議需要具體方案，不需要高談闊論。

huì yì xū yào jù tǐ fāng àn ， bù xū yào gāo tán kuò lùn 。

The meeting needs concrete proposals, not grand empty talk.

他在饭桌上高谈阔论教育改革。

### Traditional Chinese

他在飯桌上高談闊論教育改革。

tā zài fàn zhuō shàng gāo tán kuò lùn jiào yù gǎi gé 。

He spoke expansively about education reform at dinner.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%AB%98%E8%AB%87%E9%97%8A%E8%AB%96)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=697&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [隔岸观火 gé àn guān huǒ Remain detached while others face trouble ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ge-an-guan-huo)

- [格格不入 gé gé bù rù Be incompatible with the surrounding setting ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ge-ge-bu-ru)

- [歌功颂德 gē gōng sòng dé Lavishly praise someone’s achievements and virtue ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ge-gong-song-de)

- [各抒己见 gè shū jǐ jiàn Let everyone express their view ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ge-shu-ji-jian)

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