谣 (yáo) — folk song; ballad; nursery rhyme (in compounds like 歌谣, 童谣); rumor; unverified report (in compounds like 谣言, 造谣)
Definition
A bound form with two distinct meanings: in 歌谣 / 童谣 it means 'folk song / ballad / nursery rhyme'; in 谣言 / 造谣 it means 'rumor'. Rarely stands alone — usually combines with 歌, 童, or 言.
bound form
folk songballadnursery rhyme (in compounds like 歌谣, 童谣)rumorunverified report (in compounds like 谣言, 造谣)
Examples
- 。Zhè shǒu mín yáo zài mín jiān liú chuán le hěn jiǔ.This folk song has been passed down among the people for a long time.
- 。Xiǎo hái zi dōu xǐ huan chàng tóng yáo.Children all like to sing nursery rhymes.
- 。Bú yào xiāng xìn wǎng shàng de yáo yán.Don't believe the rumors online.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.