# 侃侃而谈

kǎn kǎn ér tán

Speak confidently and fluently

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Talk with calm assurance

**Traditional Chinese:** 侃侃而談

**Register:** Positive · general

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

## When to use it

Describe an assured, well-developed account of a subject.

Confidence does not establish accuracy; usually more composed than boasting.

## Understanding the expression

The expression presents speech as steady and assured rather than hesitant or frantic. It often describes someone explaining a familiar subject with clear ideas and enough detail to hold attention. The speaker may answer questions comfortably without relying on a memorized script. The praise concerns manner and fluency, not automatic truth. A person can speak impressively while being mistaken, so factual claims still need evidence beyond the confidence of their delivery.

## Examples

她谈起园艺侃侃而谈。

### Traditional Chinese

她談起園藝侃侃而談。

tā tán qǐ yuán yì kǎn kǎn ér tán 。

She speaks confidently about gardening.

他在面试中侃侃而谈。

### Traditional Chinese

他在面試中侃侃而談。

tā zài miàn shì zhōng kǎn kǎn ér tán 。

He speaks assuredly in the interview.

教授侃侃而谈，解释研究过程。

### Traditional Chinese

教授侃侃而談，解釋研究過程。

jiào shòu kǎn kǎn ér tán ， jiě shì yán jiū guò chéng 。

The professor fluently explains the research process.

他侃侃而谈，却没回答关键问题。

### Traditional Chinese

他侃侃而談，卻沒回答關鍵問題。

tā kǎn kǎn ér tán ， què méi huí dá guān jiàn wèn tí 。

He speaks confidently but avoids the key question.

## 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=%E4%BE%83%E4%BE%83%E8%80%8C%E8%AB%87)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=662&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [慷慨解囊 kāng kǎi jiě náng Give money generously to help ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/kang-kai-jie-nang)

- [克绍箕裘 kè shào jī qiú Carry on a parent's profession or legacy ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ke-shao-ji-qiu)

- [口碑载道 kǒu bēi zài dào Receive widespread public praise ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/kou-bei-zai-dao)

- [口若悬河 kǒu ruò xuán hé Speak fluently and at great length ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/kou-ruo-xuan-he)

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