宣传

• Pinyin: xuān chuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 宣 = 宀 (roof) + 亘 (extending), meaning to proclaim; 传 = 亻 (person) + 专 (exclusive, phonetic), meaning to pass on

Meaning

To publicise; to promote; propaganda. The act of spreading information to influence public opinion or promote awareness.

Functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb: 宣传产品 (promote a product), 宣传活动 (publicise an event). As a noun: 宣传材料 (promotional materials), 宣传部 (publicity department). Can have neutral (marketing, promotion) or political (propaganda) connotations depending on context.

Examples

1. 这家公司花了很多钱做宣传。 This company spent a lot of money on promotion.
2. 我们需要宣传这次活动。 We need to publicise this event.
3. 电视上到处都是这个品牌的宣传。 Advertisements for this brand are everywhere on TV.

Usage Guide

Context: marketing, media, government

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 学校正在宣传环保活动。(The school is promoting environmental activities.)
• 这个宣传做得很好。(This promotion is done very well.)

Don't Say

• 我在朋友圈宣传了我的午饭。(Don't use 宣传 for sharing personal updates on social media — it implies organised promotion. Say 我在朋友圈发了午饭的照片.)

Origin & History

宣 means 'to proclaim' and 传 means 'to transmit' or 'to spread'. Together they describe the systematic spreading of information or ideas.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal