Definition
传 (chuán) is a general verb meaning 'to pass on, transmit, spread' — it can apply to objects, information, diseases, and even electricity. Its siblings are more specific: 转告 and 传达 are only for verbal messages/orders, 流传 is for spreading over time among people, and 传染 is specifically for disease transmission. Use 传 when the method or medium is not the focus; choose a sibling when you need to specify the channel.
verb
to pass onto transmitto transferto spreadto circulateto infectto conduct (electricity)
Easily confused
- 传zhuànlook-alikebiography; historical narrative
- 穿chuānsound-aliketo wear, to put on (clothing, shoes, etc.)
- 转zhuànlook-aliketo turn, to rotate, to revolve
- 船chuánsound-alikeboat; ship; vessel
- 喘chuǎnsound-aliketo gasp for breath; to pant; to breathe heavily
- 串chuànsound-alike(classifier) used for things strung together or in a bunch or in a row: string of, bunch of, skewer of
Examples
- 传。Qǐng bǎ zhè fèn zīliào chuán gěi jīnglǐ.Please pass this document to the manager.
- 。Zhège hǎo xiāoxi hěn kuài jiù zài xuéxiào lǐ chuán kāi le.This good news quickly spread around the school.
- 传。Bìngdú néng tōngguò kōngqì chuán gěi jiànkāng de rén.The virus can be transmitted to healthy people through the air.
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