Definition
传言 (chuán yán) as a noun refers to rumor or hearsay — it is neutral and does not inherently imply the information is false, unlike 谣言 (yáo yán) which always suggests a false rumor. As a verb it means to spread a rumor, similar to 传闻 (chuán wén) but more colloquial. Note that 传说 (chuán shuō) as a noun means 'legend, folk tale', not a rumor.
noun
rumorhearsay
verb
to spread a rumorto say (as a rumor)
Examples
- 传言。Zhège chuán yán hěn kuài jiù zài gōngsī lǐ chuán kāi le.This rumor quickly spread throughout the company.
- 传言。Yǒu rén chuán yán shuō jīnglǐ yào cízhí le.Someone spread a rumor that the manager is going to resign.
- 传言。Bú yào xiāngxìn nàxiē méiyǒu gēnjù de chuán yán.Don't believe those baseless rumors.
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