# 以讹传讹

yǐ é chuán é

Spread and compound errors through repetition

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Pass an error on as another error

**Traditional Chinese:** 以訛傳訛

**Register:** Cautionary · formal

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Warn against repeating unchecked information.

Repeating a claim does not verify it.

## Understanding the expression

An error enters circulation and is then repeated as though repetition made it reliable. Each retelling may add another distortion. Modern use often concerns rumors, names, quotations, and online claims. The expression highlights transmission rather than just the first mistake. Returning to an original source can break the chain. It also helps to state uncertainty clearly, because confident repetition of a doubtful claim can mislead people who never see the initial context.

## Examples

别以讹传讹，先查原文。

### Traditional Chinese

別以訛傳訛，先查原文。

bié yǐ é chuán é ， xiān chá yuán wén 。

Check the original text before repeating errors.

这个名字被以讹传讹地写错了。

### Traditional Chinese

這個名字被以訛傳訛地寫錯了。

zhè ge míng zì bèi yǐ é chuán é dì xiě cuò le 。

The name was repeatedly copied incorrectly.

截图断章取义，容易以讹传讹。

### Traditional Chinese

截圖斷章取義，容易以訛傳訛。

jié tú duàn zhāng qǔ yì ， róng yì yǐ é chuán é 。

Out of context screenshots can spread distorted claims.

她纠正消息，防止以讹传讹。

### Traditional Chinese

她糾正消息，防止以訛傳訛。

tā jiū zhèng xiāo xī ， fáng zhǐ yǐ é chuán é 。

She corrected the news to stop errors spreading.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%BB%A5%E8%A8%9B%E5%82%B3%E8%A8%9B)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=323&webMd=1&la=0)

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