传闻

• Pinyin: chuán wén
• Hanzi breakdown: 传 = 亻 (person) + 专 (phonetic) = to transmit; 闻 = 门 (gate) + 耳 (ear) = to hear, news

Meaning

Rumor; hearsay; it is said. Information passed by word of mouth, often unverified.

Describes information that spreads through informal channels without official confirmation. 据传闻 (according to rumors) and 传闻称 (rumors say) are common phrases. Neutral term that doesn't confirm or deny the truth.

Examples

1. 传闻他们公司即将被收购，但官方尚未确认。 Rumor has it their company is about to be acquired, but officials haven't confirmed it.
2. 关于他辞职的传闻已经满天飞了。 Rumors about his resignation are already flying everywhere.
3. 传闻中的新产品据说下个月就会发布。 The rumored new product is said to be released next month.

Usage Guide

Context: news, gossip, media

Tone: cautious

Do Say

• 这只是传闻，不一定是真的。(This is just a rumor; it may not be true.)
• 据传闻，两家公司正在秘密谈判合并事宜。(According to rumors, the two companies are secretly negotiating a merger.)

Don't Say

• 我传闻给他一个消息 (传闻 is not a verb meaning 'to tell' — use 传达 or 告诉 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 传 (to transmit, spread) and 闻 (to hear, news). Information that spreads through hearing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal