chuánshuō: 传说 - Legend, Myth, It is said that...

• Keywords: chuanshuo, 传说, Chinese legend, Chinese myth, folktale in Chinese, what does chuanshuo mean, how to say “it is said that” in Chinese, Mulan legend, Chinese mythology, rumor in Chinese.
• Summary: The Chinese word 传说 (chuánshuō) is a versatile term that means “legend,” “myth,” or “folktale.” It refers to famous stories passed down through generations, like the tale of Mulan or the Monkey King. Beyond just being a noun, 传说 (chuánshuō) is also commonly used as a verb phrase meaning “it is said that…” or “rumor has it…,” making it essential for understanding both ancient culture and modern daily conversation in China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): chuánshuō
• Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A traditional story of unverified history; to pass on what is said.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 传说 (chuánshuō) as the word for any story you've heard that has been passed down through time, blending fact and fiction. It's the category for epic tales of heroes, spirits, and historical figures whose real lives have been embellished into grand narratives. Crucially, it's also a conversational tool used to introduce a piece of information you heard from others, similar to saying “they say…” or “legend has it…” in English.

• 传 (chuán): This character means “to pass on,” “to transmit,” or “to spread.” Picture someone passing a message or an object along a chain of people.
• 说 (shuō): This character simply means “to speak,” “to say,” or “to tell.”

When combined, 传说 (chuánshuō) literally means “to pass on by speaking.” This beautifully captures the essence of a legend or a rumor—an idea or story transmitted orally from person to person, generation to generation.

In China, 传说 (chuánshuō) are more than just children's stories; they are the bedrock of cultural identity and a primary vehicle for teaching history, morality, and social values. Tales like the Legend of the White Snake (白蛇传) or the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (牛郎织女) are known by nearly everyone and are deeply embedded in festivals, operas, and art. A key difference from Western “legends” (like King Arthur) is how Chinese 传说 are often tied to specific, real-world locations and integrated into historical annals. The line between accepted history (历史, lìshǐ) and legend is often much blurrier. A famous mountain might have a temple dedicated to a figure from a 传说, and local belief might treat the story's events as historical fact. This fusion of the mythical and the historical gives these stories a powerful sense of place and persistence in modern culture. They aren't just fantasy; they are a layer of the nation's perceived past.

传说 is an extremely common word used in two primary ways: 1. As a Noun: “Legend” or “Folktale” This is its most direct meaning. It's used to talk about traditional myths, historical sagas, or even modern urban legends.

• “Have you heard the legend of the Chinese New Year monster, Nián?”
• “That kung fu master is a living legend (活着的传说).”

2. As a Verb Phrase: “It is said that…” or “Rumor has it…“ This is a very frequent conversational use. It's placed at the beginning of a sentence to introduce information that is not from your own direct experience. It's a way of signaling “this is what I've heard.”

• “传说那个老房子里有鬼 (It is said that the old house is haunted).”
• “传说他要辞职了 (Rumor has it he's going to resign).”

This usage is neutral and can be applied to anything from harmless gossip to local beliefs or unverified “facts.” It's less formal and more common in speech than its synonym 据说 (jùshuō).

• Example 1:
• 花木兰的传说在中国家喻户晓。
• Pinyin: Huā Mùlán de chuánshuō zài Zhōngguó jiāyùhùxiǎo.
• English: The legend of Hua Mulan is known by every household in China.
• Analysis: Here, 传说 is used as a noun to refer to a classic, well-known legend.
• Example 2:
• 传说这座山里住着神仙。
• Pinyin: Chuánshuō zhè zuò shān li zhùzhe shénxiān.
• English: It is said that immortals live in this mountain.
• Analysis: Here, 传说 acts as a verb phrase to introduce a piece of folklore or local belief.
• Example 3:
• 这只是个传说，不一定是真的。
• Pinyin: Zhè zhǐshì ge chuánshuō, bù yīdìng shì zhēnde.
• English: This is just a legend, it's not necessarily true.
• Analysis: A great sentence for showing how 传说 implies an unverified story, contrasting it with reality (真的).
• Example 4:
• 他是商界的一个传说。
• Pinyin: Tā shì shāngjiè de yí ge chuánshuō.
• English: He is a legend in the business world.
• Analysis: This demonstrates how 传说 can be used in a modern context to describe a person with a legendary reputation.
• Example 5:
• 传说这种茶可以治百病。
• Pinyin: Chuánshuō zhè zhǒng chá kěyǐ zhì bǎi bìng.
• English: They say this type of tea can cure a hundred illnesses.
• Analysis: Using the verbal form of 传说 to talk about a folk remedy or unproven claim. The phrase “治百病” (cure a hundred illnesses) is a common exaggeration.
• Example 6:
• 关于长城有很多美丽的传说。
• Pinyin: Guānyú Chángchéng yǒu hěn duō měilì de chuánshuō.
• English: There are many beautiful legends about the Great Wall.
• Analysis: Using 传说 as a noun, modified by “beautiful” (美丽的).
• Example 7:
• 你听说了吗？传说公司明年要搬家。
• Pinyin: Nǐ tīngshuō le ma? Chuánshuō gōngsī míngnián yào bānjiā.
• English: Have you heard? Rumor has it the company is moving next year.
• Analysis: A perfect example of 传说 being used for everyday office gossip.
• Example 8:
• 这个故事听起来像个传说。
• Pinyin: Zhè ge gùshi tīngqǐlái xiàng ge chuánshuō.
• English: This story sounds like a legend.
• Analysis: Shows the relationship between a general “story” (故事) and the specific quality of being a “legend” (传说).
• Example 9:
• 他是孩子们眼中的传说人物。
• Pinyin: Tā shì háizi men yǎnzhōng de chuánshuō rénwù.
• English: In the eyes of the children, he is a legendary figure.
• Analysis: The phrase 传说人物 (chuánshuō rénwù) literally means “legend person” and is a common way to say “legendary figure/character.”
• Example 10:
• 很多传说都源于真实的历史事件。
• Pinyin: Hěn duō chuánshuō dōu yuányú zhēnshí de lìshǐ shìjiàn.
• English: Many legends originate from real historical events.
• Analysis: This sentence directly addresses the blurry line between legend and history in Chinese culture.

• 传说 (chuánshuō) vs. 故事 (gùshi): This is the most critical distinction for a learner. 故事 (gùshi) means “story” in the general sense. It can be a novel, a bedtime story, something that happened to you yesterday, etc. A 传说 is a specific type of 故事—one that is old, traditional, and passed down.
• Correct: 我给你讲一个故事。 (Let me tell you a story.)
• Incorrect: 我给你讲一个传说。 (This is only correct if you are about to tell an actual legend, like Mulan. For a personal anecdote, it's wrong.)
• 传说 (chuánshuō) vs. 神话 (shénhuà): While both can be translated as “myth,” 神话 (shénhuà) is more specific. It refers to stories about gods, goddesses, and the creation of the world (e.g., the story of Pangu, 盘古). 传说 is broader and can be about human heroes (Mulan), magical creatures (White Snake), or historical figures whose deeds were exaggerated. Think of `神话` as “mythology” and `传说` as “legend/folktale.”
• Overusing the verbal form: While “传说…” is common, for more formal or neutral reporting of second-hand information, 据说 (jùshuō) is often preferred. 传说 can sometimes carry a slightly more folkloric or gossipy tone.

• 故事 (gùshi) - Story. The general category term. Every `传说` is a `故事`, but not every `故事` is a `传说`.
• 神话 (shénhuà) - Mythology. A type of `传说` specifically involving deities and creation.
• 民间故事 (mínjiān gùshi) - Folktale. Literally “story from among the people.” Heavily overlaps with `传说`, but emphasizes its popular, non-aristocratic origin.
• 据说 (jùshuō) - It is said that. A direct and very common synonym for the verbal use of `传说`, often slightly more formal.
• 谣言 (yáoyán) - Rumor, gossip. Usually carries a negative connotation of being baseless and potentially harmful, whereas `传说` is neutral.
• 历史 (lìshǐ) - History. The body of verified facts that `传说` is often contrasted with.
• 传奇 (chuánqí) - A legend, a saga. Similar to `传说`, but often implies a more dramatic, fantastical, or action-filled narrative. In modern Chinese, it's frequently used to describe the amazing life story of a real person (e.g., a “sports legend”).
• 成语 (chéngyǔ) - Idiom. Many four-character idioms are condensed versions of famous `传说` or historical events.