Definition
流传 (liú chuán) means 'to spread, circulate, or be handed down' — it emphasizes the process of something (news, stories, traditions) spreading widely over time or among people. It is more specific than the broader verb 传 (chuán), which can also mean 'transmit, infect, conduct'. Unlike 流通 (liú tōng), used for physical or economic circulation (air, money, goods), 流传 is used for ideas, information, and cultural items.
verb
to spreadto circulateto hand down (over time or among people)
Easily confused
- 流转liú zhuǎnlook-aliketo circulate, to pass through a system (of goods, capital, resources)
Examples
- 流传。Zhège xiāoxi liú chuán de hěn kuài.This news spread quickly.
- 流传。Zhège chuántǒng yǐjīng liú chuán le yì qiān duō nián.This tradition has been handed down for over a thousand years.
- 流传。Wǎng shàng liú chuán zhe hěn duō yǒuqù de gùshi.Many interesting stories are circulating online.
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