Meanings of 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.
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.
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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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 传
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 专 represents the sound. Simplified form of 傳.
people
Origin
传 = 亻 + 专. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 传
Parts
Which of these is part of 传?
How to say to pass on in Chinese
“to pass on” in Chinese is传
The character 传 (chuán) primarily means 'to pass on' or 'to transmit.' It is often used in contexts involving the sharing of information, traditions, or narratives, such as in biographies or historical accounts. Additionally, it can refer to the spread of diseases or the transmission of electricity.
When to use 传
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').
传 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 传
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Practice writing 传 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
Which one
Which one 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.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我____给他信息。
I transmitted information to him.
Example Sentences for 传 (13)
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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.
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
Words with 传
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.
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