传

chuán

HSK 5, 7

传 — chuán

1. to pass on; to hand down; to transmit (information, skills, tradition)

   老师把经验传给了新同事。 lǎoshī bǎ jīngyàn chuángěi le xīn tóngshì — The teacher passed on the experience to the new colleague.

2. to spread; to infect (disease, idea); to circulate

   谣言很快在小区里传开了。 yáoyán hěnkuài zài xiǎoqū lǐ chuánkāi le — The rumor quickly spread through the neighborhood.

3. to transfer; to transmit (energy, electricity); to conduct

   这根电缆可以把电流传到终端。 zhègēn diànlǎn kěyǐ bǎ diànliú chuándào zhōngduān — This cable can transmit the current to the terminal.

传 — zhuàn

1. biography; life account; historical narrative

   这本传记详细记述了科学家的一生。 zhèběn zhuànjì xiángxì jìshù le kēxuéjiā de yīshēng — This biography records the scientist's life in detail.

2. commentary; commentary text; exegetical note

   他读《春秋》时也参考左氏所作的传。 tā dú chūnqiū shí yě cānkǎo zuǒ shì suǒzuò de chuán — When reading the Spring and Autumn Annals, he also consults the commentary by Zuo.

3. relay station; post house (historical)

   使者快马加鞭，连夜赶到下一个传。 shǐzhě kuàimǎjiābiān liányè gǎndào xià yígè chuán — The messenger sped on horseback through the night to reach the next post station. (historical)