Meanings of 据说
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AI Study Notes for 据说
听说 (tīngshuō) is used when the speaker has heard something from others, implying a more personal source of information, whereas 据说 (jùshuō) emphasizes the reported nature of the information without indicating how the speaker came to know it.
Be cautious using 据说 in formal writing, as it might imply uncertainty. Common mistakes include confusing it with 认为 (rènwéi, to think), which expresses personal belief rather than reported speech. Also, avoid using it with first-person perspectives; it's meant for third-party statements.
As an HSK 5 word, 据说 can be connected to other words that deal with opinions or discussions, such as 认为 (rènwéi, to think) and 听说 (tīngshuō, to hear). Focus on how it fits into conversations about news or gossip.
Learners often mix up 据说 with 说 (shuō, to say), mistakenly using it in sentences like '我据说我喜欢这个' (I said I like this) instead of '我听说我喜欢这个' (I heard I like this). The correct usage would be '据说他喜欢这个' (It is said that he likes this).
Pronunciation of 据说
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Component Characters
How to say it is said that in Chinese
“it is said that” in Chinese is据说
据说 is used to convey information that is reported or claimed by others, but not necessarily confirmed by the speaker. It often introduces hearsay or rumors, making it useful in both formal and informal contexts when discussing opinions or information that may not be verified.
When to use 据说
Be cautious using 据说 in formal writing, as it might imply uncertainty. Common mistakes include confusing it with 认为 (rènwéi, to think), which expresses personal belief rather than reported speech. Also, avoid using it with first-person perspectives; it's meant for third-party statements.
据说 or something close to it
听说 (tīngshuō) is used when the speaker has heard something from others, implying a more personal source of information, whereas 据说 (jùshuō) emphasizes the reported nature of the information without indicating how the speaker came to know it.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 据说 with 说 (shuō, to say), mistakenly using it in sentences like '我据说我喜欢这个' (I said I like this) instead of '我听说我喜欢这个' (I heard I like this). The correct usage would be '据说他喜欢这个' (It is said that he likes this).
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Grammar Patterns of 据说
据说 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____，他还没决定放弃。
It is said that he has not yet decided to give up.
Example Sentences for 据说 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 据说
No, 据说 should only be used to report what others have said, not to express your own beliefs.
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