saan3 bou3散佈散布
Jyutpingsaan3 bou3
Yalesaan bou
Definition
To spread, disperse, or propagate.
neutralcommunicationhealth
How it's used
Focuses primarily on the negative or uncontrolled dissemination of information, rumors, or diseases. Unlike more neutral verbs for distribution, it carries a sense of something undesirable or chaotic being scattered across a wider area. It is frequently used in formal or journalistic contexts to describe the intentional act of causing misinformation to circulate.
Examples
He spread fake news online, which is really outrageous.
How does this type of virus spread?
Related words
Common phrases
to spread rumors
to spread news or information
Common mistake
Avoid using this for the simple physical act of arranging objects or distributing items to people, as it implies a lack of order or a potentially harmful outcome. Use 分發 or 派發 when referring to the organized distribution of materials like leaflets or goods.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
