Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'hearsay' or 'gossip' — information picked up from casual talk without reliable source. The literal image is 'heard on the road, told on the road,' so it carries a negative connotation of unverified, irresponsible rumor. Use it as a noun to criticize baseless talk or as an attributive (e.g., 道听途说的消息).
n.
hearsaygossipunsubstantiated rumor
Examples
- 道听途说，。Zhèxiē dōu shì dào tīng tú shuō, bù néng xiāngxìn.All of this is hearsay — you can't believe it.
- 道听途说。Tā shuō de xiāoxi búguò shì dào tīng tú shuō bàle.The news he told is nothing but hearsay.
- 道听途说。Jìzhě bù néng zhǐ kào dào tīng tú shuō xiě xīnwén.A journalist can't write news based on hearsay alone.
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