耳闻
How to Say
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How to Write
Meaning: Hearsay
How to Understand
耳闻
耳闻 refers to something heard or known through others, often without direct evidence. It emphasizes information received secondhand rather than firsthand experience.
The character 耳 (ěr) means 'ear,' and 闻 (wén) means 'to hear' or 'to report.' Together, they literally mean 'to hear with the ear,' but the phrase has evolved to signify hearsay or secondhand knowledge.
耳闻 is commonly used in contexts where information is not verified, such as in news reports or informal conversations. It is related to the idiom 耳闻不如一见 (ear-hearing is not as good as seeing it oneself), which highlights the importance of personal experience over rumor.
Example Sentences
他只是耳闻这件事，没有亲眼见过。
He only heard about this through others, he didn't see it with his own eyes.
这个消息是耳闻的，不能作为依据。
This information is hearsay and cannot be used as a basis.