nghe đồn
Definition
- Phrase:
- To hear a rumor / to hear it said: This phrase indicates that the speaker has received information indirectly, typically through gossip or unverified reports from other people. It expresses that the information is not from direct, personal knowledge or an official source.
Usage Examples
- Phrase:
- Nghe đồn anh ấy sắp chuyển công tác. (I heard a rumor he is about to transfer jobs.)
- Nghe đồn công ty sắp đóng cửa. (It is said that the company is about to close down.)
- Tôi nghe đồn là cô ấy đã đính hôn. (I heard it said that she got engaged.)
Advanced Usage
- This phrase is often used to introduce information while simultaneously distancing the speaker from its truthfulness. It can soften a statement or show that the speaker is merely relaying common talk.
- Nghe đồn khu đó rất nguy hiểm về đêm. (Rumor has it that area is very dangerous at night.)
Variants and Related Words
Nghe nói (phrase): to hear (people) say. This is a very common and slightly more neutral synonym.
- Nghe nói trời sẽ mưa mai. (I heard it will rain tomorrow.)
Đồn đại (verb): to rumor, to spread rumors.
- Mọi người đang đồn đại về vụ việc đó. (People are spreading rumors about that incident.)
Synonyms
- Rumor has it: A common English idiom with a similar function.
- I heard tell: A more informal way to say you heard something indirectly.
- Word is: A brief, colloquial phrase for sharing gossip.
Related Idioms
Tin đồn (noun): a rumor, a piece of gossip.
- Đó chỉ là tin đồn thất thiệt. (That's just a malicious rumor.)
Đồn thổi (verb): to circulate (rumors), often implying exaggeration.
- Câu chuyện đã bị đồn thổi lên rất nhiều. (The story has been greatly exaggerated through rumor.)