Definition
相传 has two uses: (1) 'to pass down through generations' (of customs, recipes, stories) — it emphasizes oral transmission over time, unlike 流传 (spread widely among people), 传承 (inherit cultural heritage, more formal), or 祖传 (specifically from ancestors). (2) 'according to legend' — used to introduce a traditional story or belief, a function unique to 相传.
verb
to pass down (from generation to generation)according to legendtradition has it that (used to introduce a story or belief)
Examples
- 相传。Zhège xísú yǐjīng xiāng chuán le jǐ bǎi nián.This custom has been passed down for several hundred years.
- 相传，。xiāng chuán, zhè zuò gǔ qiáo shì yí wèi gōngjiàng yí yè jiàn chéng de.According to legend, this ancient bridge was built by a craftsman in one night.
- 。Zhège jiāzú shìdài xiāng chuán de mìfāng zhōngyú gōngkāi le.The secret recipe that this family has passed down for generations has finally been made public.
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