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March 24, 2026
谣(謠)yáo(yao2)
The character 谣 (yáo) primarily refers to a type of popular ballad or folksong that is often passed down through generations. It can also denote a rumor or gossip that spreads among people. The context is often informal, relating to cultural expressions or social interactions.
Strokes12Radical讠Frequency#31025DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, folk songs (谣) often carry historical narratives or moral lessons, reflecting the values and experiences of the community. They play an essential role in festivals and celebrations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a group of friends sitting around a fire, singing a catchy ballad (谣) while sharing rumors about the latest happenings in their village. The left part (言) suggests speaking, and the right part (遥) reminds you of the distant echoes of songs and stories that travel far.
Meanings of 谣
yáo(yao2)
1popular ballad
2rumor
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 谣
谣Simplified
謠Traditional
12Strokes
讠Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#31025Frequency Rank
Podcast: 谣
Podcast: 谣
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AI Study Notes for 谣
Quick Contrast
谣 (yáo, ballad) vs 传说 (chuánshuō, legend) — use 谣 for informal, cultural songs or gossip, while 传说 refers to more formal or mythological tales.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a group of friends sitting around a fire, singing a catchy ballad (谣) while sharing rumors about the latest happenings in their village. The left part (言) suggests speaking, and the right part (遥) reminds you of the distant echoes of songs and stories that travel far.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 谣 with 料 (liào), which means material or ingredient. This term is generally informal, so it's best used in casual conversation rather than formal writing. Be cautious with pronunciation, as a wrong tone can change its meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Since 谣 is not included in the HSK levels, focus on related words like 歌 (gē, song) and 谈 (tán, to talk) to expand your vocabulary. Understanding the cultural context will enhance your grasp of usage.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, folk songs (谣) often carry historical narratives or moral lessons, reflecting the values and experiences of the community. They play an essential role in festivals and celebrations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 谣 with a first or third tone, leading to confusion. For example, saying 'yāo' (first tone) changes the meaning entirely. Always use the second tone: 'yáo'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 谣
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Grammar Patterns of 谣
谣 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 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
有关财务丑闻的____言接连不断地冒出来。
Rumours of financial scandals have come bubbling back to the surface.
Example Sentences for 谣 (10)
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1
有关财务丑闻的谣言接连不断地冒出来。
yǒu guān cái wù chǒu wén de yáo yán jiē lián bù duàn dì mào chū lái。
Rumours of financial scandals have come bubbling back to the surface.
2
我们的目的是要彻底击破围绕他的那些谣言。
wǒ mén de mù de shì yào chè dǐ jī pò wéi rào tā de nà xiē yáo yán。
Our intention was to demolish the rumours that have surrounded him.
3
据谣传，票卖到了300英镑。
jù yáo chuán， ， piào mài dào300 le 300。
Rumour has it that tickets were being sold for £
4
关于这件事正有一则恶意的谣言在流传。
guān yú zhè jiàn shì zhèng yǒu yī zé è yì de yáo yán zài liú chuán。
There's a nasty sort of rumour going around about it.
I've heard a whisper that the Bishop intends to leave.
8
我们对这些子虚乌有的谣言从何而来很感兴趣。
wǒ mén duì zhè xiē zǐ xū wū yǒu de yáo yán cóng hé ér lái hěn gǎn xīng qù。
We're interested in the source of these fictitious rumours.
9
夫妻两人对他们婚姻出现问题的谣言一笑置之。
fū qī liǎng rén duì tā mén hūn yīn chū xiàn wèn tí de yáo yán yī xiào zhì zhī。
The couple laughed off rumours that their marriage was in trouble.
10
我想知道是谁散布了那谣言.
wǒ xiǎng zhī dào shì shuí sàn bù le nà yáo yán.
I should like to know who put that rumour about.
Cultural Notes for 谣
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, folk songs (谣) often carry historical narratives or moral lessons, reflecting the values and experiences of the community. They play an essential role in festivals and celebrations.
Word Family of 谣
Words Containing This Character10
谣言yáoyánrumor謠言
民谣ballad民謠
辟谣to deny闢謠
谣传rumor謠傳
造谣to start a rumor造謠
歌谣folksong歌謠
谣yáorumor謠
童谣nursery rhyme童謠
造谣生事to start rumours and create trouble造謠生事
谣言惑众to mislead the public with rumors謠言惑衆
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 谣言 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 谣
While both refer to songs, 谣 specifically denotes folk songs or ballads that are often informal and communal, whereas 歌 can refer to any type of song.
Typically, 谣 is used in informal settings when discussing folk songs or rumors, so it's best to avoid it in formal writing or speeches.
Make sure to use the second tone, which is rising, like asking a question.
