噂 (zǔn) - To gossip & to talk idly or spread rumors

噂Tone 3

zǔn ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

志

噂 · zǔn

To gossip;

to talk idly or spread rumors;

whispering.

To gossipto talk idly or spread rumorswhispering.

Usage highlights

Gossip and rumorsWhispering and murmuringIdle talkBackbiting gossipSpread rumors

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • They were gossiping in the corner (在角落里噂噂私语).
  • Avoid spreading rumors (避免传播噂言).
  • The office was full of idle chatter (办公室里充满了噂议).

Collocations

  • Gossip and rumors(噂议)
  • Whispering and murmuring(噂噂)
  • Idle talk(噂言)
  • Backbiting gossip(噂沓)
  • Spread rumors(传噂)

Idioms

  • Gossip is a fearful thing(人言可畏)
  • Rumors stop at the wise(流言止于智者)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, gossip is generally viewed negatively and associated with causing harm and discord.
  • The character appears in classical texts but is relatively rare in modern usage.
  • Confucian ethics emphasize the importance of careful speech and avoiding gossip.

FAQ