伝聞

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 伝聞 is read as でんぶん and means hearsay or secondhand information.
• Basic usage: It can identify hearsay rather than direct testimony or secondhand information separated from verified facts.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing hearsay from testimony
  • 伝聞: This story is mere hearsay, not testimony from the person involved. Example: この話は本人の証言ではなく、伝聞にすぎません。
• Separating secondhand information from facts
  • 伝聞: I separated secondhand information from facts I verified myself. Example: 伝聞で得た内容と、自分で確認した事実を分けて書きました。