Meaning and Usage
"传闻" (chuánwén) refers to rumors or hearsay—information passed from person to person without official confirmation. It often implies uncertainty about the truth of the information.
Common Contexts
People use "传闻" when discussing unverified news, gossip, or speculation, especially about people or events. It frequently appears in conversations about workplace news, celebrity gossip, or social rumors.
Collocations and Patterns
- 传闻 + clause: to introduce a rumor (e.g., 传闻他要辞职了)
- 听说 + 传闻: to express having heard a rumor
- 不要轻信传闻: a caution not to trust rumors blindly
Usage Notes
When using "传闻," speakers often imply that the information might not be reliable. It is more formal than just saying "谣言" (false rumor) and can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context. Avoid confusing "传闻" with "新闻" (news), which is verified information.
Summary
Use "传闻" to talk about unconfirmed information circulating among people. It helps express skepticism or distance from the truth of the statement.