When combined, 传 (chuán) + 单 (dān) literally means “a transmitted sheet,” which is a perfect and logical description of a flyer or leaflet.
While a “flyer” might seem like a simple concept, 传单 (chuándān) has a distinct presence in Chinese life. In modern China, especially in bustling cities, receiving a 传单 is an everyday experience. At the exits of subway stations, outside shopping malls, and on pedestrian bridges, you'll almost always find people handing out flyers for restaurants, gyms, tutoring centers, and real estate. This form of direct marketing, known as 地推 (dìtuī) or “ground promotion,” is far more common and in-your-face than in many Western countries due to the high population density. Historically, the 传单 also played a significant role in politics and conflict. During the 20th century, from the Second Sino-Japanese War to the Chinese Civil War and beyond, 传单 were a primary tool for propaganda. Airdropped over enemy lines or secretly distributed in cities, they were used to spread political messages, demoralize troops, and rally support. Because of this history, while the word is neutral today, it carries a more serious potential weight than the English “flyer,” which is almost exclusively commercial.
传单 (chuándān) is a very practical and common word. Its usage is almost always neutral and descriptive.
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