传说

• Pinyin: chuán shuō
• Hanzi breakdown: 传 = 亻(person) + 专 (specialized); 说 = 讠(speech) + 兑 (exchange), meaning to speak

Meaning

Legend; folklore; to be said that. Refers to stories passed down through generations, often with mythical elements.

Can function as both a noun (a legend or folk tale) and a verb (it is said that). As a noun, it often refers to ancient myths and folk stories. As a verb, it introduces unverified information or hearsay.

Examples

1. 中国有很多关于龙的传说。 China has many legends about dragons.
2. 传说这座山上住着一位神仙。 Legend has it that an immortal lives on this mountain.
3. 奶奶给我讲了一个古老的传说。 Grandma told me an ancient legend.

Usage Guide

Context: storytelling, culture, everyday

Tone: narrative

Do Say

• 这个地方有一个有趣的传说。(This place has an interesting legend.)
• 传说中的人物不一定是真实的。(Characters from legends are not necessarily real.)

Don't Say

• 我传说他明天来 (Don't use 传说 for relaying personal messages — use 听说 for hearsay or 告诉 for telling someone; 传说 is for legends or widespread unverified claims)

Origin & History

Compound of 传 (transmit, pass down) and 说 (speak, tell), literally 'passed-down telling,' referring to orally transmitted stories.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal