传言

• Pinyin: chuán yán
• Hanzi breakdown: 传 = 亻(person) + 专 (sole) — passing from one to another; 言 = speech radical

Meaning

Rumor; hearsay; to spread word; unverified information passed by word of mouth.

Refers to information that circulates through informal channels without official confirmation. Can be used as both noun and verb. Often implies the information may be unreliable or speculative. Common in news contexts and social discussions about unconfirmed reports.

Examples

1. 网上传言他们公司要裁员百分之三十，但官方还没确认。 Online rumors say their company is laying off thirty percent of staff, but there's no official confirmation yet.
2. 关于这件事有很多传言，我们还是等官方消息吧。 There are many rumors about this matter — let's wait for official news.
3. 有人传言他要辞职，但他本人既不承认也不否认。 Some are spreading word that he's going to resign, but he himself neither confirms nor denies it.

Usage Guide

Context: news, social discussion, speculation

Tone: cautious

Do Say

• 这只是传言，不一定是真的。(This is just a rumor, it may not be true.)
• 据传言，新政策下个月就会出台。(According to rumors, the new policy will be released next month.)

Don't Say

• 我传言给你一件事。(传言 is not 'tell' — use 告诉 or 跟你说 for telling someone something)

Origin & History

Compound of 传 (to transmit, to pass on) and 言 (word, speech). Literally means words that are passed along, hence rumor or hearsay.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal