泄露 (xièlù) - use 透露 (tòulù) when the focus is on the act of revealing information, whereas 泄露 (xièlù) emphasizes the unintended or accidental nature of the information being leaked.

Imagine a water pipe that has a small crack, causing water to leak out. The character 透 (tòu) looks like a stream flowing through, and 露 (lù) resembles a droplet of water. Together, they evoke the idea of information leaking out like water from a pipe.

Be cautious of the contexts in which you use 透露; it is often associated with negative connotations of unauthorized information sharing. Common collocations include 透露消息 (tòu lù xiāo xī - to leak news) or 透露秘密 (tòu lù mì mì - to divulge a secret). Watch out for tone errors, as mispronouncing the fourth tone can change the meaning.

As an HSK Level 6 word, 透露 connects well with other words related to communication and information, such as 交流 (jiāo liú - to communicate) and 信息 (xìn xī - information). Focus on its usage in context, especially in news reports or conversations about confidentiality.

In Chinese culture, the concept of leaking information can have serious implications, especially in political contexts, where information control is highly valued. The media often use 透露 when discussing government leaks or corporate secrets.

Learners often confuse 透露 with 泄露 (xiè lù), which also means to leak but emphasizes a more intentional act. For example, saying '他透露了秘密' (Tā tòu lù le mì mì - He leaked the secret) may imply negligence, while '他泄露了秘密' (Tā xiè lù le mì mì) implies a deliberate act.