講

The glyph denotes speech with a specific purpose or structure rather than simple utterance. Its range includes:

• Exegesis and Instruction: The act of unpacking a text or concept to make it intelligible; interpreting or lecturing.
• Deliberation: A verbal exchange aimed at resolving a problem or exploring a topic.
• Negotiation: The pragmatic use of speech to reach an agreement, settle a dispute, or persuade another party (e.g., 講和).

Predominantly transitive. It typically takes an object: the subject being explained, the point of contention, or the person being persuaded.

• vs. 説: While 説 is a general term for speaking or explaining, 講 implies more effort, detail, or a structured delivery.
• vs. 論: 論 tends toward the analytical, argumentative, or written treatise; 講 is more frequently the verbal presentation of an idea.
• vs. 釋: 釋 refers to the internal act of decoding or translating a meaning; 講 is the external act of delivering that interpretation to others.

• Tang-period reading: gǎng.
• Simplified variant: 讲 (U+8BB2).

In later texts, the glyph may drift toward a colloquial sense of "talking" or "chatting." The translator should determine the register based on the participants: a master and student suggests exegesis; officials suggest negotiation; peers may simply be discussing.