谈不上…
can hardly be called; far from; there is no question of
Structure
主语 谈不上 （什么）名词／动词／形容词 ， 实际情况
What it means
Can hardly be called; far from: something does not reach the level its name suggests. A judgement of degree, often followed by what the reality is.
How it is built
Subject + 谈不上 + (什么) + noun, verb or adjective, then the reality: 那时的衣服谈不上什么款式，能穿暖就不错了 (clothes then had no style to speak of; if they kept you warm, that was enough).
When to use it
Neutral, in speech and writing. Said of yourself it sounds modest: 我可谈不上是什么专家. The positive form appears mainly in questions: 哪儿谈得上…？
Watch out
It is about degree, not plain absence: ✗他谈不上车 ✓他没有车. Use it where something exists but falls short: 我们只见过两次面，谈不上了解.
Examples
那时的衣服谈不上什么款式，能穿暖就不错了。
Clothes then had no style to speak of; if they kept you warm, that was good enough.
我们只见过两次面，谈不上了解。
We have only met twice; I can hardly say I know him.
这份工作谈不上喜欢，也谈不上讨厌，就是为了养家糊口。
I wouldn’t say I like this job, or that I hate it; it just puts food on the table.
Learn this in Lesson 132 · HSK 7–9: 从的确良到汉服 (From Dacron shirts to Hanfu)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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