所谓

• Pinyin: suǒ wèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 所 = 户 + 斤; 谓 = 讠(speech) + 胃 (stomach, phonetic)

Meaning

So-called; what is known as. Used to introduce a term, often with skepticism or irony.

Can be neutral (introducing a definition or concept) or skeptical/ironic (implying the term is misleading or undeserved). Context and tone determine whether it's straightforward or critical.

Examples

1. 所谓的专家意见，不过是商家的营销手段罢了。 The so-called expert opinions are just marketing tactics from the vendors.
2. 他终于明白了所谓成功的代价是什么。 He finally understood what the so-called price of success really is.
3. 所谓知己，就是那个不需要解释太多就能懂你的人。 A true friend is someone who understands you without needing much explanation.

Usage Guide

Context: commentary, definitions, criticism

Tone: variable

Do Say

• 所谓民主，首先是程序正义。(What we call democracy starts with procedural justice.)
• 这就是所谓的潜规则。(This is what's known as an unwritten rule.)

Don't Say

• 对明确认可的事物用带讽刺的'所谓' (Be careful — 所谓 can sound dismissive, so avoid it when speaking positively about something)

Origin & History

所 is a nominalizer, 谓 means to call or name. Together: 'what is called.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal