The word **念叨** is a compound verb formed by combining two characters with related meanings: **念** (niàn), which carries the core meanings of "to think of," "to miss," or "to study/recite," and **叨** (dāo), which colloquially means "to talk on and on" or "to chatter." Together, they create a nuanced concept where internal thought or remembrance is expressed through external, often repetitive, speech. The word thus means to talk about someone or something frequently, often with a tone of fond remembrance, concern, or slight complaint, effectively blending the act of keeping someone in mind (**念**) with the act of verbalizing it repeatedly (**叨**). For example, an elderly person might *念叨* a far-away grandchild, meaning they constantly mention them in conversation.