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March 24, 2026
据说(據說)jùshuō(ju4shuo1)
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.
Frequency#3977DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, gossip and sharing news are common social activities, often reflecting the importance of community opinions. Using 据说 appropriately can show awareness of social dynamics and respect for the source of information.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'ju' (sounds like 'you') saying something to a crowd while holding a 'shuo' (sounds like 'show') sign. This scene helps you remember that '据说' means 'it is said'—it's about sharing what others have said or shown.
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AI Study Notes for 据说
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'ju' (sounds like 'you') saying something to a crowd while holding a 'shuo' (sounds like 'show') sign. This scene helps you remember that '据说' means 'it is said'—it's about sharing what others have said or shown.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, gossip and sharing news are common social activities, often reflecting the importance of community opinions. Using 据说 appropriately can show awareness of social dynamics and respect for the source of information.
Common Mistakes
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).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 据说
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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.
Ten of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
10
他说统计学家“用数据说谎”，败坏了他们的名声。
tā shuō tǒng jì xué jiā“ “ yòng shù jù shuō”， huǎng ”， bài huài le tā mén de。
He said statisticians gave them a bad rap by "lying with figures".
Cultural Notes for 据说
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, gossip and sharing news are common social activities, often reflecting the importance of community opinions. Using 据说 appropriately can show awareness of social dynamics and respect for the source of information.
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.
Yes, it is commonly used in both contexts, but be cautious about its informal connotation in writing.
While both mean 'it is said,' 听说 emphasizes that you heard something, whereas 据说 focuses on the report itself.
