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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'handed down' or 'spread by word of mouth' with 相传 (xiāngchuán)

    Connecting Ideas
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    通过 + 相传

    Explanation

    相传 (xiāngchuán) means to pass along or spread through word of mouth, often referring to stories, legends, or information transmitted from person to person. It carries a sense of informal, organic transmission rather than official communication.

    Examples

    • 相传这座庙已经有一千多年的历史了。

      Xiāngchuán zhè zuò miào yǐjīng yǒu yì qiān duō nián de lìshǐ le.

      Legend has it that this temple has over a thousand years of history.

    • 相传这道菜是一位皇帝发明的。

      Xiāngchuán zhè dào cài shì yí wèi huángdì fāmíng de.

      Legend has it that this dish was invented by an emperor.

    • 村里相传山上住着一条龙。

      Cūn lǐ xiāngchuán shān shàng zhùzhe yì tiáo lóng.

      It is said in the village that a dragon lives on the mountain.

    Expressing 'handed down' or 'spread by word of mouth' with 相传 (xiāngchuán) | Chinese Grammar