Meanings of 传
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About 传
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Podcast: 传
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AI Study Notes for 传
传 (chuán) vs 递 (dì) — use 传 when referring to the transmission of information or traditions, while 递 is more suitable for the act of handing over or passing something physically.
Imagine a 'train' (sounds like 'chuán') carrying stories and history from one station to another, passing them on to the next generation. The radical 亻 (person) suggests that this transmission often involves people sharing experiences or narratives.
Be careful not to confuse 传 with similar-sounding words like 传染 (chuánrǎn), which specifically means 'to infect.' This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like 传递信息 (chuándì xìnxī - 'to convey information').
Though 传 may not be in the HSK levels, it connects well with other verbs related to communication and sharing, such as 说 (shuō - 'to speak') and 告诉 (gàosù - 'to tell'). Focus on its various meanings, especially in phrases involving communication.
In Chinese culture, the concept of passing down knowledge and stories is highly valued, often seen in the tradition of oral storytelling and the transmission of family histories. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on legacy and continuity.
Learners often confuse 传 with 传播 (chuánbō), which specifically means 'to spread' in the context of ideas or news. For instance, saying '传新闻' (chuán xīnwén) is correct, but it's more common to say '传播新闻' (chuánbō xīnwén).
Pronunciation of 传
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Etymology of 传
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 专 represents the sound. Simplified form of 傳.
people
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 传?
Decomposition of 传
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Write 传
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Grammar Patterns of 传
传 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 12 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
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这是我传的消息。
This is the message that I transmitted.
Complete the Sentence
我把球____给他，可是他没接住。
I passed the ball to him, but he did not catch it.
Common Confusions with 传
Sounds similar but has a different meaning.
传 is a general term for passing on, while 传承 emphasizes cultural or traditional transmission.
文化的传承是重要的。
传 is a general term for passing on, while 传承 emphasizes cultural or traditional transmission.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to pass on"?
Usage Notes for 传
Learners often use 传 incorrectly with direct objects.
我传给他信息。
I transmitted information to him.
Fill in the Blank
我____给他信息。
I transmitted information to him.
Example Sentences for 传 (10)
Cultural Notes for 传
The character '传' is made up of two components: '人' (person) and '专' (special). This reflects the idea of a person specializing in passing on knowledge or stories, which is essential in Chinese culture where oral history and storytelling hold great significance.
In Chinese culture, the concept of passing down knowledge and stories is highly valued, often seen in the tradition of oral storytelling and the transmission of family histories. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on legacy and continuity.
There's a Chinese proverb: '好事传千里' (Good deeds are passed on for thousands of miles), highlighting the importance of sharing positive stories and actions within the community.
Word Family of 传
Compound Meaning
What does 传统 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 传
While both 传 (chuán) and 传播 (chuánbò) relate to the concept of transmission, 传播 specifically emphasizes the act of spreading or propagating information or ideas widely. 传 can be used more generally for passing on or transferring something, whether it's tangible or intangible.