据说
HSK 6- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
据说 is used to cite information that has been heard but is not certain, equivalent to "it is said that" or "reportedly" in English.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The adverb 据说 is used to begin a sentence, introducing information you have heard from others rather than knowing or witnessing yourself. It implies that the information has not been verified, similar to "reportedly" or "it is said that" in English.
You can place 据说 at the beginning of a sentence or after the subject. It is a very common way to cite rumors, news, or hearsay.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 据说那家新餐厅很好吃。繁: 據說那家新餐廳很好吃。Jùshuō nà jiā xīn cāntīng hěn hǎochī.
It is said that the newly opened restaurant is very delicious.
- 据说他明年要去中国留学。繁: 據說他明年要去中國留學。Jùshuō tā míngnián yào qù Zhōngguó liúxué.
I heard that he is going to study abroad in China next year.
- 据说这座山里有熊猫。繁: 據說這座山裡有熊貓。Jùshuō zhè zuò shān lǐ yǒu xióngmāo.
It is said that there are pandas in this mountain.
- 据说公司要搬到市中心了。繁: 據說公司要搬到市中心了。Jùshuō gōngsī yào bān dào shìzhōngxīn le.
I heard the company is moving to the city center.
- 据说小王最近找到工作了。繁: 據說小王最近找到工作了。Jùshuō Xiǎo Wáng zuìjìn zhǎodào gōngzuò le.
I heard that Xiaowang found a job recently.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:据说我今天不舒服。Correct:我今天不舒服。
据说 is used for information heard from others, not for one's own feelings or obvious facts.
- Wrong:据说从老师，考试很难。Correct:听老师说，考试很难。
据说 is not accompanied by a specific source. To specify who said it, use the structure 听 + (source) + 说.