噂

• Reading: うわさ
• Romaji: uwasa
• Kanji breakdown: 噂 (son/uwasa) — rumour, gossip, hearsay
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.wa.sa/

Meaning

Rumour; gossip; hearsay. Unverified information passed from person to person.

Functions as a noun or する verb (噂する). Often used in the patterns 噂を聞く (to hear a rumour), 噂になる (to become the subject of gossip), and 噂をする (to gossip). The proverb 噂をすれば影 (speak of someone and they appear) is the Japanese equivalent of 'speak of the devil'.

Examples

1. あの二人が付き合っているという噂を聞いた。 I heard a rumor that those two are dating.
2. 噂をすれば影と言うけど、本当に来たね。 They say speak of the devil, and he really did show up.
3. 根拠のない噂を広めてはいけない。 You shouldn't spread rumors that have no basis.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, social situations, school

Tone: informal

Origin & History

The kanji 噂 combines 口 (mouth) and 尊 (revere/precious). The character suggests words from the mouth about someone of note, reflecting how gossip often centres on notable figures.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal