磋商 means 'to negotiate' or 'to consult', especially in formal, cooperative contexts where parties exchange views to reach mutual understanding or agreement. The character 磋 (cuō) originally refers to polishing jade—symbolizing careful refinement—and 商 (shāng) means 'to discuss' or 'to deliberate'. Together, they evoke the idea of jointly refining ideas through respectful, back-and-forth dialogue, not adversarial bargaining. It is commonly used in diplomatic, business, academic, or administrative settings.

This word carries a tone of seriousness, equality, and goodwill; it implies participants are open-minded and committed to finding common ground. Unlike generic terms like 讨论 (tǎolùn, 'to discuss'), 磋商 emphasizes process-oriented, solution-focused consultation—often involving representatives, officials, or professionals. It frequently appears in written reports, official announcements, and formal speeches, though it’s also appropriate in spoken professional contexts.