研讨 (yán tǎo) is a compound word formed from 研 (yán), meaning 'to research' or 'to study carefully', and 讨 (tǎo), meaning 'to discuss' or 'to examine'. Together, they convey the idea of in-depth, scholarly discussion—often involving analysis, exchange of ideas, and critical thinking. It implies more rigor and purpose than casual conversation, typically occurring in academic, professional, or policy-related settings.

The term functions both as a noun (e.g., 'a seminar' or 'a research discussion') and as a verb (e.g., 'to hold a seminar' or 'to engage in scholarly discussion'). It’s commonly used in formal contexts such as university courses, academic conferences, workplace training sessions, or government working groups. While it can appear in written and spoken Chinese, it carries a moderately formal register and is rarely used in everyday informal talk among friends or family.