透露

• Pinyin: tòu lù
• Hanzi breakdown: 透 = 辶 (movement) + 秀 (elegant); 露 = 雨 (rain) + 路 (road)

Meaning

To reveal; to disclose; to divulge. To let out information, often something that was meant to be kept secret or private.

Implies that the information shared was previously unknown or confidential. Can be used neutrally (sharing news) or negatively (leaking secrets). Often appears in news contexts with sources who reveal information. Related: 泄露 (to leak, more negative connotation).

Examples

1. 知情人士透露，这家公司正在考虑并购计划。 An informed source revealed that the company is considering an acquisition plan.
2. 她不小心透露了男朋友求婚的秘密。 She accidentally revealed the secret of her boyfriend's proposal.
3. 政府发言人拒绝透露谈判的具体细节。 The government spokesperson refused to disclose the specific details of the negotiations.

Usage Guide

Context: news, business, everyday

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 消息人士透露了这一消息。(A source revealed this news.)
• 他透露自己即将离职。(He revealed that he would be leaving his job soon.)

Don't Say

• 他透露说了这件事 — '透露'已经包含'说'的意思，不需要再加'说'

Origin & History

Compound of 透 (to penetrate, pass through) + 露 (to reveal, dew). Together they create the image of information 'passing through' and becoming visible.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal