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B2 verb 8 min read

吐露

tulu
Examples Notes & Tips 吐露 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 吐露 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you might not use the word '吐露' (tǔlù) directly, as it is quite advanced. However, you can think of it as a special way to say 'tell' (说 - shuō) or 'say a secret' (说秘密 - shuō mìmì). Imagine you have a secret in your heart, like a small bird in a cage. When you '吐露' that secret, you open the cage and let the bird fly out to a friend. Even though this word is for higher levels, knowing that Chinese has different words for 'telling' depending on how important the secret is will help you later. For now, just remember: 吐露 is for big, important secrets or feelings you have kept inside for a long time. It is a very 'serious' and 'kind' word to use with friends.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about your feelings and relationships. '吐露' (tǔlù) is a verb that means 'to reveal' or 'to confide.' You can use it when you want to say that someone finally told the truth or shared a hidden feeling. For example, if your friend was sad for a week and finally told you why, you could say they '吐露了心声' (tǔlù le xīnshēng) - they revealed their heart's voice. Grammatically, it is often used with the word '向' (xiàng), which means 'towards.' So you say: 'He towards me revealed a secret' (他向我吐露了秘密). It is more formal than just '告诉' (gàosù - tell), so using it makes your Chinese sound more expressive and thoughtful.
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For B1 learners, '吐露' (tǔlù) becomes a useful tool for describing deeper social interactions. At this level, you should distinguish it from '告诉' (to tell). '吐露' implies that the speaker has been holding something back. It is often paired with abstract nouns. For instance, '吐露真情' (tǔlù zhēnqíng) means to reveal one's true feelings. You will often see this word in stories or news articles about people sharing their life experiences. When you use 吐露, you are telling the listener that the information being shared is significant and personal. It's an excellent word to use in writing assignments about friendship, family, or personal growth, as it shows you understand the emotional weight of communication.
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At the B2 level, '吐露' (tǔlù) is a key vocabulary item for achieving fluency in formal and literary contexts. You should be able to use it accurately in the structure '向 [someone] 吐露 [something].' It is important to distinguish it from '透露' (tòulù), which is used for disclosing information or news (like a company leaking a new product). 吐露 is reserved for the 'inner world.' You should also be aware of its literary uses, such as '吐露芬芳' (tǔlù fēnfāng), where flowers 'reveal' their scent. At this level, you are expected to understand the nuance of volition—that 吐露 is usually a conscious, voluntary act of opening up. Using this word correctly in speaking and writing demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of Chinese emotional registers.
As a C1 learner, you should explore the poetic and metaphorical reaches of '吐露' (tǔlù). It often appears in classical-style modern prose and high-level journalism to describe the 'unburdening' of the soul. You should be able to identify the subtle differences between 吐露, 倾诉 (to pour out/vent), and 袒露 (to lay bare). 吐露 often carries a sense of 'granting' a revelation to the listener, creating an intimate bond. You might encounter it in philosophical texts or artistic critiques, such as '这幅画吐露了艺术家对社会的深层思考' (This painting reveals the artist's deep reflections on society). At this level, your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's ability to personify inanimate objects or abstract concepts in a literary way.
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At the C2 level, you should have a native-like intuition for '吐露' (tǔlù). You can use it to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics where the act of revealing is as important as the content itself. You might use it to discuss the 'subtext' of a diplomatic statement or the 'hidden essence' of a complex literary work. C2 learners should also be familiar with how 吐露 interacts with classical Chinese elements in modern writing, often appearing in four-character expressions or parallel structures. You should be able to use it to describe the subtle 'blossoming' of an idea or the 'leakage' of a deep-seated cultural truth. Mastery at this level means knowing exactly when the gravity of 吐露 is required versus the more clinical 披露 (pīlù) or the more casual 交代 (jiāodài).
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Examples Notes & Tips

吐露 in 30 Seconds

  • A formal verb used to reveal hidden feelings, secrets, or inner thoughts, carrying an emotional weight of vulnerability and trust.
  • Commonly structured as 'Subject + 向 (towards) + Listener + 吐露 + Object (e.g., heart's voice, secret).'
  • Distinct from '透露' (tòulù), which is used for factual news or leaks, and '揭露' (jiēlù), used for exposing crimes.
  • Also used poetically to describe nature, such as flowers releasing their scent or spring showing its colors.

The Chinese verb 吐露 (tǔlù) is a sophisticated and evocative term used to describe the act of revealing, expressing, or confiding something that has been kept deep within one's mind or heart. It is not merely 'telling' or 'saying'; it carries a sense of unburdening, where the information shared is often personal, private, or emotionally significant. The character 吐 (tǔ) literally means to spit or to pour out, suggesting a release of pressure. The character 露 (lù) means to reveal or to show, like dew appearing on a leaf. Together, they create a metaphor for bringing hidden thoughts into the light of day. This word is most frequently used in contexts involving deep emotional honesty, the sharing of secrets between trusted friends, or the poetic expression of one's inner state in literature.

Emotional Depth
Unlike the neutral word 告诉 (gàosù - to tell), 吐露 implies a level of vulnerability. When someone 吐露 their feelings, they are opening up their soul.
The Object of Expression
Common objects following 吐露 include 心声 (xīnshēng - heart's voice), 真情 (zhēnqíng - true feelings), or 秘密 (mìmì - secrets).

他在醉意中向好友吐露了积压已久的委屈。
(In his drunkenness, he confided the long-accumulated grievances to his best friend.)

In modern usage, you will encounter 吐露 in psychological discussions, romantic literature, and formal interviews where a person finally reveals the truth behind a complex situation. It suggests a process that is often difficult or requires a certain level of trust. For example, a witness might 吐露 the truth in court after much hesitation, or a lover might 吐露 their affection after years of silence. The word captures the transition from a state of concealment to a state of transparency. Furthermore, it can be used in a more abstract, literary sense, such as flowers 'revealing' their fragrance or the spring 'expressing' its beauty, though the human emotional context remains the most common application in daily high-level Chinese conversation.

Culturally, Chinese society often values emotional restraint. Therefore, the act of 吐露 is seen as a significant milestone in a relationship, indicating that the speaker views the listener as a 'zhīyǐn' (soulmate) or a deeply trusted confidant. It is a word that bridges the gap between the private self and the social world, making it an essential term for B2 learners to master when discussing interpersonal dynamics and psychology.

Using 吐露 (tǔlù) correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the types of nouns it typically pairs with. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object that represents something abstract or internal. The most common structure is [Subject] + 向 + [Listener] + 吐露 + [Object]. This '向' (xiàng - towards) is crucial because it identifies the recipient of the confidence.

Structure A: Direct Reveal
Subject + 吐露 + Object.
Example: 她吐露了实情。(She revealed the actual facts.)
Structure B: To Someone
Subject + 向/对 + Someone + 吐露 + Object.
Example: 他终于向我吐露了心声。(He finally poured out his heart to me.)

面对镜头，这位老兵缓慢地吐露了当年的战争往事。
(Facing the camera, the veteran slowly revealed the stories of the war from those years.)

It is important to note that 吐露 is rarely used for mundane information. You wouldn't 吐露 that you ate an apple for breakfast. Instead, you 吐露 a secret plan, a hidden pain, or a long-held ambition. In formal writing, it can also describe nature. For instance, '花苞吐露芬芳' (The flower buds release their fragrance). Here, the 'fragrance' is seen as the flower's 'inner essence' being shared with the world. When using this word in the passive voice, one might say '秘密被吐露了' (The secret was revealed), though it is much more common in the active voice to emphasize the agency and emotional state of the speaker.

In complex sentences, 吐露 can be modified by adverbs that describe the manner of the revelation. Adverbs like 真诚地 (zhēnchéng de - sincerely), 不经意地 (bùjīngyì de - inadvertently), or 断断续续地 (duànduànxùxù de - intermittently) add layers of meaning to how the person is opening up. For example, '他断断续续地吐露着内心的痛苦' suggests a struggle to find the right words, emphasizing the difficulty of the act itself.

While 吐露 (tǔlù) is a B2-level word, its presence spans across various domains of Chinese life, from high-brow literature to modern psychological dramas. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its register. Firstly, it is a staple in literary fiction and poetry. Authors use it to describe the moment a character undergoes an emotional breakthrough or when the narrator shares the character's hidden motivations with the reader.

Cinema and TV Dramas
In 'confession' scenes—whether romantic or criminal—characters often 吐露 their true intentions. It adds a dramatic flair that '说' (shuō - say) simply cannot provide.
Psychology and Counseling
In therapy contexts, the goal is often to encourage the patient to 吐露心声 (reveal their heart's voice) to facilitate healing.

这部电影的高潮是主角向母亲吐露了隐藏二十年的秘密。
(The climax of the movie is when the protagonist reveals a secret hidden for twenty years to his mother.)

You will also find 吐露 in journalism, specifically in 'human interest' stories or long-form interviews. When a public figure decides to speak about their personal struggles, the headline might use 吐露 to signal to the reader that this is a rare, intimate look into their lives. For example, '著名演员吐露成名背后的艰辛' (Famous actor reveals the hardships behind becoming famous). This usage frames the revelation as a gift of honesty to the public.

In social media, particularly on platforms like Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu) or Weibo, users might use 吐露 in the titles of 'story-time' posts where they share personal experiences or life lessons. It sets a serious, reflective tone. If you are listening to a podcast about mental health or interpersonal relationships in Chinese, you will likely hear the host ask guests to 吐露 their 'true self' (真实的自我). Mastering this word allows you to participate in and understand these deeper, more meaningful levels of communication.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 吐露 (tǔlù) with its close cousin 透露 (tòulù). While they look similar and both involve 'revealing,' their usage contexts and emotional weights are quite different. 透露 is much more common in news, business, and daily information sharing. It implies 'leaking' or 'disclosing' information, often of a factual or professional nature, without the deep emotional 'pouring out' associated with 吐露.

吐露 vs. 透露
Use 吐露 for: Secrets, feelings, heart's voice.
Use 透露 for: News, information, data, plans.
Mistake: Over-formalization
Don't use 吐露 for simple statements like 'He revealed that he would be late.' (Use 告诉 or 说).

Incorrect: 医生向我吐露了我的检查结果。
(The doctor 'confided' my test results to me - sounds too dramatic unless the doctor is a close friend.)

Another mistake is using 吐露 for negative 'exposure' of crimes or scandals where the person being exposed is unwilling. For that, 揭露 (jiēlù - to expose/unmask) is the correct term. 吐露 usually implies a voluntary act by the person holding the secret. For example, if a thief is caught and forced to talk, we use 供述 (gòngshù - to confess to a crime). If the thief feels guilty and decides to tell his mother the truth, he 吐露s his secret. The distinction lies in the volition and the emotional intent.

Lastly, watch out for the '向' particle. Learners often forget it and say '他吐露了我秘密' (He revealed me secret), which is grammatically awkward. It should be '他向我吐露了秘密' or '他吐露了他的秘密'. Remember that 吐露 focuses on the *act* of pouring out, so the direction of that pouring (towards whom) is usually essential for a natural-sounding sentence.

To truly master 吐露 (tǔlù), you must see how it fits into the broader family of 'revealing' words in Chinese. Each has a specific nuance that changes the tone of your sentence. Let's compare the most common alternatives.

倾诉 (qīngsù)
Meaning: To pour out one's heart.
Difference: 倾诉 focuses more on the *process* of talking at length to get relief. 吐露 focuses on the *revelation* of specific hidden content.
袒露 (tǎnlù)
Meaning: To lay bare; to expose.
Difference: 袒露 is even more intense than 吐露. It often refers to showing one's chest (literally) or being completely nakedly honest (metaphorically).
透露 (tòulù)
Meaning: To disclose; to leak.
Difference: Factual, professional, or accidental. Used for news and information.

Comparison:
1. 他向我吐露了心声。(He revealed his inner thoughts.)
2. 他向我倾诉了烦恼。(He vented his worries to me.)

When should you choose 吐露 over these? Choose it when you want to emphasize the beauty or the gravity of the secret being shared. If a character in a book reveals they are the long-lost heir, 吐露 is perfect. If a friend tells you they've been feeling sad lately, 倾诉 might be better if they talk for an hour, but if they just drop the 'confession' that they are sad, 吐露 works well. Another word to consider is 表白 (biǎobái), which is specifically used for confessing romantic love. While 吐露 can be used for love, 表白 is the standard term for 'asking someone out' or saying 'I love you.'

In literary contexts, you might also see 流露 (liúlù). This means to 'reveal unintentionally' through one's expressions or behavior. For example, '他的眼神中流露出一丝悲伤' (A hint of sadness showed in his eyes). Unlike 吐露, which is a conscious act of speaking, 流露 happens naturally through body language or tone of voice. By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the exact word to match the situation you are describing.

Fun Fact

The character '吐' is also used in '呕吐' (to vomit), which adds to the sense that 吐露 is about getting something 'out of your system.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʰu³⁵ lu⁵¹/
US /tʰu³⁵ lu⁵¹/
Second syllable (Lù) often carries the finality of the action.
Rhymes With
补 (bǔ) 虎 (hǔ) 路 (lù) 步 (bù) 故 (gù) 度 (dù) 赋 (fù) 树 (shù)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'Lu' as second tone (lú).
  • Confusing 'Tu' with 'Tou' (tòulù).
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Examples by Level

1

他吐露了秘密。

He revealed the secret.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

我不吐露你的事。

I won't reveal your matters.

Negative form using '不'.

3

她吐露了真话。

She spoke the truth.

Focus on the result 'le' (了).

4

谁吐露了消息？

Who revealed the news?

Interrogative sentence with '谁'.

5

向我吐露吧。

Reveal it to me.

Imperative sentence using '向我'.

6

他没有吐露。

He did not reveal it.

Past negative using '没有'.

7

你要吐露什么？

What do you want to reveal?

Using '要' for intention.

8

我想吐露心声。

I want to reveal my heart's voice.

Using '想' for desire.

1

他终于向我吐露了实情。

He finally revealed the truth to me.

Use of '终于' (finally) and '向' (towards).

2

她不想向任何人吐露。

She doesn't want to reveal it to anyone.

Negative intention with '任何人' (anyone).

3

他在信中吐露了思念。

He expressed his longing in the letter.

Prepositional phrase '在信中' (in the letter).

4

为什么要向他吐露？

Why reveal it to him?

Questioning 'why' with '为什么'.

5

他向老师吐露了烦恼。

He confided his worries to the teacher.

Target of the action is '老师'.

6

她吐露了想家的感情。

She revealed her homesick feelings.

Object is a complex noun phrase.

7

你愿意向我吐露吗？

Are you willing to confide in me?

Using '愿意' (willing) in a question.

8

他从未向人吐露过。

He has never revealed it to anyone.

Use of '从未...过' (never... before).

1

他借着酒意吐露了心底的秘密。

Taking advantage of the alcohol, he revealed the secret at the bottom of his heart.

Describing the state/manner with '借着酒意'.

2

这篇文章吐露了作者的真情实感。

This article reveals the author's true feelings and emotions.

Abstract subject '这篇文章'.

3

她向心理医生吐露了童年的阴影。

She revealed the shadows of her childhood to the psychiatrist.

Professional context.

4

他不敢向父母吐露考试不及格的事。

He didn't dare reveal to his parents that he failed the exam.

Modal verb '不敢' (dare not).

5

花朵在晨光中吐露着芬芳。

The flowers are releasing their fragrance in the morning light.

Literary/metaphorical usage.

6

他犹豫再三，还是吐露了真相。

After hesitating again and again, he still revealed the truth.

Use of '犹豫再三' and '还是'.

7

你不能随便向陌生人吐露个人信息。

You shouldn't casually reveal personal information to strangers.

Adverb '随便' (casually).

8

他眼神中吐露出一丝不安。

A hint of unease was revealed in his eyes.

Using '中' to specify the source.

1

他终于向好友吐露了积压已久的委屈。

He finally confided the long-accumulated grievances to his close friend.

Complex object '积压已久的委屈'.

2

这首诗吐露了诗人对故乡的深切怀念。

This poem reveals the poet's deep nostalgia for their hometown.

Literary analysis context.

3

在巨大的压力下，他吐露了案件的细节。

Under great pressure, he revealed the details of the case.

Circumstantial phrase '在巨大的压力下'.

4

她不经意间吐露了自己的真实身份。

She inadvertently revealed her true identity.

Adverbial '不经意间' (unintentionally).

5

面对采访，他大方地吐露了成功秘诀。

Facing the interview, he generously revealed the secret of his success.

Adverb '大方地' (generously).

6

他始终不肯向外界吐露任何风声。

He refused to reveal any hint of information to the outside world.

Idiomatic object '任何风声' (any rumor/hint).

7

文字间吐露着一种淡淡的哀愁。

Between the lines, a faint sadness is revealed.

Abstract literary subject.

8

他向妻子吐露了自己想要辞职的想法。

He revealed to his wife his idea of wanting to resign.

Complex clause as part of the object.

1

他在自传中毫无保留地吐露了当年的心路历程。

In his autobiography, he revealed his mental journey of those years without reservation.

Adverbial '毫无保留地' (without reservation).

2

这种沉默，反而吐露了他内心的极度不安。

This silence, on the contrary, revealed the extreme unease in his heart.

The subject is an abstract concept '沉默'.

3

他那番话吐露了对现行制度的强烈不满。

Those words of his revealed strong dissatisfaction with the current system.

Political/Social context.

4

唯有在深夜，他才敢向日记吐露那些禁忌的情感。

Only in the dead of night does he dare reveal those taboo emotions to his diary.

Personification of '日记' (diary) as a listener.

5

画笔的每一触，都吐露着画家对生命的礼赞。

Every stroke of the brush reveals the artist's praise for life.

Highly metaphorical and poetic.

6

他试图掩饰，但颤抖的声音吐露了他的恐惧。

He tried to hide it, but his trembling voice revealed his fear.

Contrast between '掩饰' (hide) and '吐露'.

7

在那个动荡的年代，没人敢轻易吐露政治立场。

In those turbulent times, no one dared to easily reveal their political stance.

Context of social safety and risk.

8

这片土地的每一寸，都吐露着历史的沉重。

Every inch of this land reveals the weight of history.

Metaphorical revelation from an inanimate object.

1

在这部宏大的叙事诗中，字里行间无不吐露着对人性幽微处的洞察。

In this grand narrative poem, every line reveals insights into the subtle depths of human nature.

Double negative '无不' for emphasis.

2

他那看似随意的玩笑，实则吐露了深藏已久的野心。

His seemingly casual joke actually revealed a long-hidden ambition.

Contrast between '看似' (seemingly) and '实则' (actually).

3

外交辭令背後，往往吐露着兩國關係的微妙轉向。

Behind diplomatic rhetoric, a subtle shift in bilateral relations is often revealed.

Formal political analysis.

4

他向神父吐露了那些令他灵魂备受煎熬的罪孽。

He revealed to the priest the sins that had caused his soul much torment.

Religious/Moral context.

5

建筑的线条与构图，无声地吐露着设计者的美学追求。

The lines and composition of the building silently reveal the designer's aesthetic pursuits.

Adverb '无声地' (silently) modifying '吐露'.

6

在权力的博弈中，他偶尔吐露的真言成了对手的筹码。

In the game of power, the occasional truths he revealed became chips for his opponents.

Complex social/strategic context.

7

这种极简主义风格，恰恰吐露了对繁琐现代生活的反叛。

This minimalist style precisely reveals a rebellion against the complexities of modern life.

Using '恰恰' (precisely) to link style to meaning.

8

他临终前吐露的那个名字，成了困扰家族数十年的谜团。

The name he revealed before he died became a mystery that haunted the family for decades.

Narrative hook/mystery context.

Common Collocations

吐露心声
吐露秘密
吐露真情
吐露芬芳
吐露实情
毫无保留地吐露
向好友吐露
不经意间吐露
试图吐露
吐露心迹

Common Phrases

向...吐露

— To reveal to someone.

向父母吐露想法。

吐露不快

— To express one's unhappiness or grievances.

向同事吐露不快。

吐露真言

— To speak the true words (often after lying).

他最终吐露了真言。

吐露心曲

— To reveal one's inner thoughts (poetic).

琴声吐露着他的心曲。

吐露端倪

— To reveal a clue or inkling of something.

话语中吐露了端倪。

吐露爱意

— To express romantic love.

他不敢向她吐露爱意。

吐露衷肠

— To share one's innermost feelings (very formal).

两人彻夜长谈，吐露衷肠。

吐露心事

— To share what's on one's mind.

她喜欢把心事吐露给日记。

吐露详情

— To reveal the full details.

他拒绝吐露详情。

吐露消息

— To reveal news (slightly more formal than 透露).

官方吐露了些许消息。

Idioms & Expressions

"吐露心声"

— To pour out one's heart; to express one's true feelings.

他在演讲中真情吐露心声。

Common
"真情吐露"

— The true feelings are revealed.

这首歌是他的真情吐露。

Literary
"半吐半露"

— To tell only half the story; to be vague or evasive.

他说话半吐半露，让人摸不着头脑。

Literary
"倾心吐胆"

— To talk with complete sincerity; to layout everything.

老友相见，自然是倾心吐胆。

Classical/Formal
"披露心迹"

— To make one's intentions or feelings known.

他在信中披露心迹。

Formal
"坦陈心扉"

— To open one's heart and speak frankly.

我们应该坦陈心扉地谈一谈。

Formal
"直言不讳"

— To speak bluntly without any concealment (related concept).

他直言不讳地吐露了看法。

Common
"推心置腹"

— To treat others with utmost sincerity (related context).

两人推心置腹地吐露了心事。

Common
"金口木舌"

— To be a teacher or person who spreads truth (very rare).

他如金口木舌般吐露真理。

Archaic
"和盘托出"

— To reveal everything without reservation (related idiom).

他把秘密和盘托出地吐露了。

Common

Word Family

Nouns

吐露者 (the one who reveals)

Verbs

吐 (to spit/say)
露 (to reveal)
透露 (to disclose)
揭露 (to expose)

Adjectives

吐露出的 (revealed)

Related

心声
秘密
真情
芬芳
实情
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you have a 'Secret (露 - like dew)' in your 'Mouth (吐 - to spit)'. You need to 'spit it out' for the world to see.

Visual Association

A person opening a heavy wooden chest and light (the secret) pouring out.

Word Web

心声 真情 向...说 秘密 芬芳 透露 袒露 揭露

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using 吐露, 向, and a secret you once had.

Word Origin

Composed of 吐 (to spit/utter) and 露 (to reveal/show). 吐 dates back to early oracle bone scripts representing a mouth emitting something. 露 originally referred to dew, which makes things visible or appears clearly.

Original meaning: To utter words and make them manifest.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful using it in professional settings where '透露' (tòulù) is more appropriate for data/info.

Translates well to 'confide' or 'pour out one's heart,' but is more formal than 'tell.'

Used in the lyrics of many Mandopop songs about '吐露心声'. Common in translations of Shakespearean soliloquies. Appears in classic novels like 'Dream of the Red Chamber'.
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