据称 (jù chēng) — it is said; reportedly; according to reports | tongtong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

A formal written expression meaning 'it is said / reportedly', used to introduce unverified information from sources. Sets a neutral, hedged tone — similar to 'allegedly' in news or academic prose.

verb

it is saidreportedlyaccording to reports

Examples

据称，。
jù chēng, Shì gù zhōng méi yǒu rén shòu shāng.
It is said that no one was injured in the accident.
据称，。
jù chēng, Zhè wèi zuò jiā zhèng zài xiě yì běn xīn xiǎo shuō.
According to reports, this writer is working on a new novel.
据称，。
jù chēng, Nà jiā gōng sī kě néng huì pò chǎn.
Allegedly, that company may go bankrupt.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

据 indicates a basis, and 称 indicates saying.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

手手shǒuhand

Sound part声符shēngfú

居

居jū据jù

Same sound today

据 uses 手 (hand) as one part and 居 to give the sound.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 稱; 称 is its simplified writing.

禾爯稱

Meaning part形符xíngfú

禾禾hérice

Sound part声符shēngfú

爯

爯chēng稱chēng

Same sound today

The traditional form 稱 pairs 禾 (rice) with 爯, a part giving the sound; it is explained as measuring rice. The simplified 称 is a later shorthand.

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