fong3 fung1放風放风

Jyutpingfong3 fung1

Yalefong fūng

動詞Rare

Definition

To spread rumors or leak information; also to let in fresh air, act as a lookout, or let prisoners out for exercise.

to leak information, spread news, or disseminate rumors
slangto act as a lookout
to let prisoners out of their cells for fresh air and exercise
to let in fresh air to improve ventilation

colloquialcommunicationdaily actions

How it's used

Often implies a strategic or calculated release of information, similar to leaking a story to test public reaction. While it can mean letting prisoners out for exercise, in daily social contexts, it almost exclusively refers to the act of spreading gossip or unofficial news. It carries a slightly conspiratorial tone, suggesting the information was released intentionally to influence others.

Examples

keoi5佢喺hai2公gung1司si1放fong3風fung1話waa6想soeng2辭ci4職。

He spread the word at the office that he wants to resign.

bin1邊go3個fong3放fung1風waa6話gam1今jat6日m4唔sai2使faan1返gung1工aa4呀？

Who spread the rumor that we don't have to work today?

Common phrases

fong3放fung1風sing1聲

to drop a hint or spread a rumor

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with literal wind blowing, as it is strictly used for information or prison activities. Using it to describe actual air ventilation is rare and sounds unnatural in modern speech.