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B1 verb #2,000 most common 9 min read

透露

toulu Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 透露 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 透露 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Chinese language. The word 透露 (tòu lù) is generally too advanced for active use at this stage, as A1 focuses on basic survival vocabulary like greetings, numbers, and simple daily objects. However, A1 learners might encounter this word passively if they watch Chinese television shows, movies, or listen to native speakers conversing. In these contexts, they might hear the word when characters are whispering or sharing a secret. For an A1 learner, the goal is not to memorize how to write or conjugate 透露, but rather to recognize its sound and associate it with the concept of 'telling a secret.' If an A1 learner hears '不要透露' (bú yào tòu lù), they can understand it as a command meaning 'don't tell' or 'keep it a secret.' Teachers might introduce this word as a 'challenge word' when discussing themes of friendship or surprises. The focus should remain on the phonetic recognition of 'tòu lù' and its basic English equivalent 'to reveal.' By planting this seed early, learners will have an easier time fully acquiring the word when they reach the intermediate levels where it becomes a core part of their active vocabulary.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their ability to describe past events, daily routines, and personal experiences expands. While 透露 is still slightly above the core A2 vocabulary list, it becomes highly relevant when learners want to express concepts related to secrets, surprises, or sharing information among friends. At this stage, learners can begin to use 透露 in simple, straightforward sentences. For example, they might learn to say '他透露了一个秘密' (He revealed a secret) or '我不能透露' (I cannot reveal it). The grammar structures kept at this level should be basic: Subject + Verb + Object. A2 learners should focus on pairing 透露 with simple, high-frequency nouns like 秘密 (secret) or 事情 (matter). They will also practice using basic negations with 不 (for present/future refusal) and 没有 (for past actions). Understanding that 透露 is a more sophisticated way of saying 告诉 (to tell) when secrets are involved helps A2 learners elevate their conversational skills. It allows them to participate in light gossip or discuss surprise parties with greater accuracy. Teachers can facilitate this by creating role-play scenarios where one student has a secret and the other tries to get them to 透露 it.

The B1 level is where 透露 truly shines as a core, essential vocabulary word. At this intermediate stage, learners are expected to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters, including news and current events. 透露 is a high-frequency word in journalistic Chinese, making its mastery crucial for B1 learners reading news articles or watching broadcasts. Learners at this level must actively use 透露 to describe the flow of information. They need to master the structure '向 + person + 透露' to specify who the information is being revealed to. Furthermore, B1 learners should be comfortable using 透露 with a wider variety of objects, such as 消息 (news), 细节 (details), and 计划 (plans). They will also encounter the passive-like construction '据透露' (it is revealed that), which is vital for understanding news reports. The distinction between 透露 (neutral revealing) and 泄露 (serious leaking) should be firmly established at this level. B1 learners should practice writing short summaries of news events or personal anecdotes using 透露 to demonstrate their ability to handle information-sharing narratives effectively and accurately.

At the B2 level, learners achieve a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain. The usage of 透露 at this level becomes more nuanced and abstract. B2 learners should move beyond simply revealing facts and start using 透露 to describe the revelation of emotions, attitudes, and underlying truths. They will master the structure '透露出' (to reveal/show an emotion), using it in sentences like '他的语气透露出不耐烦' (His tone revealed impatience). This requires a strong command of abstract vocabulary to pair with the verb. Additionally, B2 learners will engage with more complex texts where 透露 is used in sophisticated corporate or political contexts. They should be able to understand and produce sentences discussing what organizations 'refuse to reveal' (拒绝透露) for strategic reasons. The ability to distinguish 透露 from closely related synonyms like 暴露, 揭露, and 流露 becomes critical here, as B2 learners are expected to choose the most precise word for their intended meaning. Writing exercises at this level might involve drafting formal emails or reports where sensitive information is discussed, requiring the careful and appropriate application of 透露.

C1 learners possess a broad range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. For a C1 learner, 透露 is a tool for precise, sophisticated communication. They will encounter the word in advanced literature, academic papers, and high-level journalistic analyses. At this stage, the focus is on the subtle pragmatic implications of using 透露. For instance, a C1 learner understands that when a politician '透露' information to the press, it is often a calculated move rather than an accidental slip, and they can discuss these power dynamics in fluent Chinese. They will use 透露 effortlessly in complex sentence structures, integrating it with advanced grammar patterns and idioms. C1 learners can analyze how an author uses a character's dialogue to subtly 透露 their true intentions without explicitly stating them. They are also adept at using the word in professional settings, such as high-stakes negotiations or public relations management, where controlling what is 透露 is of paramount importance. The mastery of 透露 at the C1 level is demonstrated not just by grammatical correctness, but by the stylistic appropriateness and the deep understanding of the word's cultural and contextual weight.

At the C2 level, learners have achieved near-native proficiency. They can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read and can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. For C2 learners, 透露 is fully integrated into their linguistic repertoire, used with the same intuitive grasp as a native speaker. They can play with the word, using it in creative, poetic, or highly rhetorical ways. A C2 learner might use 透露 to describe the subtle interplay of light and shadow in a painting ('画面的光影透露出一种难以言喻的悲凉' - The light and shadow of the painting reveal an indescribable desolation). They understand the historical and etymological roots of the characters 透 and 露, allowing them to appreciate puns or literary allusions involving the word. In debates or academic discourse, C2 learners can critically analyze the source of '透露' information, questioning the motives behind a leak. Their use of the word is flawless, characterized by perfect collocation, appropriate register, and a deep sensitivity to the emotional and intellectual nuances it conveys in any given context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

透露 in 30 Seconds

Means to reveal or disclose information.
Commonly used in news and journalism.
Can be used for secrets or emotions.
Often paired with the preposition 向 (to).

The Chinese verb 透露 (tòu lù) is a crucial vocabulary word for intermediate learners, primarily meaning to reveal, disclose, or leak information that was previously hidden, secret, or unknown to the general public. Understanding the morphology of this word provides deep insight into its semantics. The first character, 透 (tòu), means to penetrate, pass through, or be transparent. It implies a movement from the inside to the outside, breaking through a barrier. The second character, 露 (lù), means to expose, show, or reveal, like dew appearing in the morning. When combined, 透露 paints a vivid metaphorical picture of information penetrating a veil of secrecy and becoming visible to others. This word is heavily utilized in contexts involving news, journalism, corporate communications, and personal secrets. When a government official leaks a policy detail to the press, they are engaging in 透露. When a friend accidentally lets slip the details of a surprise party, they are also engaging in 透露. It is important to distinguish 透露 from similar words like 揭露 (jiē lù), which means to expose something negative or scandalous, often with a sense of righteous indignation or investigative journalism. 透露 is generally more neutral; the information being revealed could be positive, negative, or entirely benign, such as a company revealing its new product launch date. Furthermore, 透露 often implies that the revelation is partial or unofficial. It suggests giving a glimpse into the truth rather than a comprehensive, formal announcement (which would be 宣布 xuān bù). This nuance makes it a favorite in news reporting, where journalists often cite 'insiders' who 'reveal' snippets of information. Mastering 透露 allows learners to discuss the flow of information, secrets, and news with much greater precision and native-like fluency.

Morphology: 透 (penetrate) + 露 (expose) = to leak or reveal information through a barrier of secrecy.

Connotation: Neutral to slightly informal when used in daily life, but highly standard in journalistic contexts for citing sources.

Transitivity: It is a transitive verb, meaning it must take an object, usually a noun related to information, secrets, or details.

内部人士向媒体透露了该公司的合并计划。

她拒绝透露任何关于她新书的细节。

警方没有透露嫌疑人的名字。

他的眼神透露出一丝悲伤。

请不要向任何人透露这个秘密。

Using 透露 correctly involves understanding its syntactic environment and the types of objects it typically takes. As a transitive verb, 透露 almost always requires an object. The most common objects are nouns related to information: 消息 (news/information), 秘密 (secret), 细节 (details), 真相 (truth), 风声 (rumors/hints), and 计划 (plans). The basic sentence structure is Subject + 透露 + Object. For example, '他透露了秘密' (He revealed the secret). However, the usage becomes much richer when we add directional complements or prepositional phrases to indicate who the information is being revealed to. The most common preposition used with 透露 is 向 (towards/to). The structure becomes Subject + 向 + Receiver + 透露 + Object. For instance, '他向我透露了秘密' (He revealed the secret to me). Another crucial aspect of using 透露 is its ability to take abstract objects, particularly emotions or states of mind, often combined with the directional complement 出 (out). For example, '他的语气透露出不耐烦' (His tone revealed impatience). In this case, 透露 acts less like a deliberate action of sharing information and more like an involuntary display of an internal state. This dual usage—deliberate sharing of facts versus involuntary display of emotion—makes 透露 a highly versatile verb. In formal writing and journalism, you will frequently encounter the passive or impersonal construction 据透露 (according to what has been revealed / it is reported). This is a standard way for journalists to present information obtained from anonymous or unofficial sources without taking direct responsibility for the claim. When negating 透露, the standard negators 不 (for present/future or habitual) and 没有 (for past actions) are used. '他不透露' means he refuses to reveal, while '他没有透露' means he did not reveal. Understanding these structural patterns is essential for moving from a basic B1 understanding to a more advanced, nuanced application of the word in both spoken and written Chinese.

Basic Structure: Subject + 透露 + Information (e.g., 他透露了消息).

Targeted Structure: Subject + 向 + Person + 透露 + Information (e.g., 他向我透露了秘密).

Abstract Structure: Subject (Expression/Tone) + 透露出 + Emotion (e.g., 眼神透露出疲惫).

据知情人士透露，该项目已被取消。

他向媒体透露了会议的具体内容。

她的字里行间透露出对家乡的思念。

官方尚未透露事故的具体原因。

我不方便透露客户的个人信息。

The contexts in which you will encounter 透露 are diverse, spanning from highly formal journalistic reporting to everyday casual conversations about gossip and secrets. In the realm of news and media, 透露 is ubiquitous. Journalists rely on sources to provide information that is not yet public, and they use 透露 to attribute this information. Phrases like '据消息人士透露' (according to sources) or '内部文件透露' (internal documents reveal) are staples of daily news broadcasts and articles. This makes 透露 an essential vocabulary word for anyone looking to read Chinese newspapers or watch Chinese news programs. In the corporate world, 透露 is frequently used in the context of negotiations, product launches, and financial disclosures. A company might 'refuse to reveal' (拒绝透露) the terms of a merger, or a CEO might 'reveal' (透露) upcoming strategic shifts during an interview. In legal and police contexts, authorities often state what details they can or cannot 透露 regarding an ongoing investigation. Beyond these formal settings, 透露 is also deeply embedded in everyday social interactions. When friends share gossip, they might ask someone to 透露 a bit of information about a mutual acquaintance's new relationship. If someone is planning a surprise, they will warn others not to 透露 the plan. Furthermore, in literature and creative writing, 透露 is used to describe the subtle manifestation of emotions or traits. A character's smile might 透露 a hint of malice, or a beautifully written letter might 透露 the author's profound loneliness. This wide range of applications—from the hard facts of journalism to the subtle nuances of human emotion—highlights the importance of 透露 in achieving comprehensive fluency in Chinese.

Journalism: Used to cite anonymous sources or leak upcoming policy changes and events.

Corporate: Used in PR statements, often to state what a company is NOT willing to share (e.g., trade secrets).

Daily Life: Used when discussing gossip, surprises, or personal secrets among friends and family.

新闻报道透露了该事件的最新进展。

你能给我透露一点考试的内容吗？

发言人拒绝透露总统的行程安排。

这封信透露了她当时的绝望心情。

据内部员工透露，公司即将裁员。

Learners of Chinese often make a few predictable errors when integrating 透露 into their vocabulary, primarily stemming from direct translation from English or confusion with similar Chinese verbs. One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing 透露 with 暴露 (bào lù). While both involve revealing something, 暴露 carries a strong negative connotation of exposing a flaw, a hidden danger, or one's physical position to an enemy. You would 暴露 your location to a sniper, but you would 透露 a secret to a friend. Using 暴露 when you mean 透露 sounds overly dramatic and incorrect. Another common error is using the wrong preposition to indicate the recipient of the information. English speakers often want to say 'reveal to me' and translate it directly as '透露给我' (tòu lù gěi wǒ). While this is sometimes understood in casual speech, the grammatically standard and much more natural phrasing is '向我透露' (xiàng wǒ tòu lù). The preposition 向 (towards) is the correct collocate for 透露. Additionally, learners sometimes try to use 透露 without an object, treating it as an intransitive verb. In English, you might say 'He revealed,' but in Chinese, you must specify what was revealed: '他透露了消息' (He revealed the news). Leaving the object out makes the sentence feel incomplete. Finally, learners might struggle with the abstract usage of 透露. When trying to say 'His face showed anger,' they might use 显示 (xiǎn shì - to display/show) instead of the more poetic and accurate '他的脸上透露出愤怒' (His face revealed anger). Recognizing these common pitfalls—distinguishing it from 暴露, using the correct preposition 向, ensuring a direct object is present, and embracing its abstract emotional applications—will significantly elevate a learner's mastery of 透露.

暴露 vs 透露: 暴露 is for exposing physical positions or negative flaws; 透露 is for sharing information or secrets.

Preposition Error: Avoid using 给 (gěi) after 透露; instead, use 向 (xiàng) before it (e.g., 向我透露, not 透露给我).

Missing Object: 透露 requires an object. Do not leave it hanging; always specify what is being revealed (news, secret, etc.).

❌ 错误: 他暴露了一个秘密。
✅ 正确: 他透露了一个秘密。

❌ 错误: 请透露给我。
✅ 正确: 请向我透露。

❌ 错误: 记者问他，但他不透露。
✅ 正确: 记者问他，但他拒绝透露任何信息。

❌ 错误: 他的信暴露了悲伤。
✅ 正确: 他的信透露出悲伤。

❌ 错误: 我把计划透露给他了。
✅ 正确: 我向他透露了计划。

The Chinese language is rich with verbs related to revealing, exposing, and displaying, making it essential to understand the subtle distinctions between 透露 and its synonyms. We have already discussed 暴露 (bào lù), which means to expose a physical position, a flaw, or a hidden danger, carrying a strong negative or vulnerable connotation. Another closely related word is 泄露 (xiè lù). 泄露 is very similar to 透露 in that it means to leak information, but 泄露 often implies a more serious breach of security or confidentiality. You 透露 a surprise party plan, but you 泄露 state secrets or classified corporate data. 泄露 feels more like a failure of containment, whereas 透露 can sometimes be a deliberate, controlled release of information. 揭露 (jiē lù) means to unmask or expose something bad, like a crime, a scam, or corruption. Investigative journalists 揭露 scandals. It implies pulling back a cover to show the ugly truth beneath. 表露 (biǎo lù) and 流露 (liú lù) are synonyms used specifically for the revelation of emotions or thoughts. 表露 is more intentional (to express or show one's feelings), while 流露 is more involuntary (feelings naturally flowing out or revealing themselves). While 透露 can also be used for emotions (透露出悲伤), 流露 is often considered more literary and specific to emotional states. Finally, 宣布 (xuān bù) means to announce formally. If a company officially states its new CEO, that is 宣布. If an insider whispers the name to a reporter the day before, that is 透露. Understanding this spectrum of revelation—from the formal announcement (宣布) to the serious leak (泄露), the investigative exposure (揭露), the emotional display (流露), and the informational leak (透露)—provides a highly nuanced command of Chinese vocabulary.

泄露 (xiè lù): To leak (often serious, classified, or highly confidential information). Implies a breach.

揭露 (jiē lù): To expose or unmask (usually something negative, illegal, or scandalous).

流露 (liú lù): To involuntarily reveal or show (specifically used for emotions, feelings, or intentions).

他因泄露国家机密而被捕。(Serious breach)

记者揭露了这家公司的财务造假。(Exposing a scandal)

她的眼神流露出深深的同情。(Involuntary emotional display)

市长正式宣布了新政策。(Formal announcement)

朋友向我透露了那个秘密。(Informal sharing of hidden info)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Preposition 向 for target of action

Directional complement 出 for abstract revelation

Passive construction 据... (According to...)

Negation with 拒绝 (refuse to)

Resultative complements

Examples by Level

他透露了一个秘密。

He revealed a secret.

Subject + Verb + Object.

不要透露。

Don't reveal (it).

Negative imperative with 不要.

我没有透露。

I didn't reveal (it).

Past negation with 没有.

谁透露的？

Who revealed it?

Question word 谁 as subject.

他透露了名字。

He revealed the name.

Basic SVO structure.

请透露一点。

Please reveal a little bit.

Polite request with 请.

她想透露。

She wants to reveal (it).

Modal verb 想 + Verb.

我不透露。

I won't reveal (it).

Present/Future negation with 不.

他向我透露了这个好消息。

He revealed this good news to me.

Using 向 to indicate the recipient.

你不能把这件事透露给别人。

You cannot reveal this matter to others.

Using 把 structure for emphasis.

新闻里透露了明天的天气。

The news revealed tomorrow's weather.

Using 里 to indicate the source.

她拒绝透露她的年龄。

She refused to reveal her age.

Verb + Verb structure (拒绝 + 透露).

这是个秘密，千万别透露。

This is a secret, absolutely do not reveal it.

Using 千万别 for strong negative command.

他喝醉后透露了真相。

He revealed the truth after getting drunk.

Time clause with 后.

我不小心透露了惊喜派对的计划。

I accidentally revealed the surprise party plan.

Adverb 不小心 modifying the verb.

报纸上透露了一些细节。

The newspaper revealed some details.

Location marker 上.

据内部人士透露，公司即将推出新产品。

According to insiders, the company is about to launch a new product.

Standard journalistic phrase 据...透露.

警方目前还不方便透露案件的具体细节。

It is currently inconvenient for the police to reveal the specific details of the case.

Polite refusal phrase 不方便透露.

他的眼神透露出一种难以掩饰的疲惫。

His eyes revealed a fatigue that was hard to conceal.

Abstract usage with 透露出.

这份文件透露了他们未来的战略规划。

This document revealed their future strategic planning.

Using formal vocabulary like 战略规划.

她向媒体透露了两人分手的真正原因。

She revealed the real reason for their breakup to the media.

Complex object phrase.

官方尚未透露事故造成的具体伤亡人数。

The authorities have not yet revealed the specific number of casualties caused by the accident.

Formal negation with 尚未.

信中的字里行间透露着他对家乡的思念。

Between the lines of the letter, his longing for his hometown was revealed.

Using 着 for continuous state.

为了保护隐私，我们不会透露客户的个人信息。

To protect privacy, we will not reveal customers' personal information.

Purpose clause with 为了.

该报告首次向公众透露了气候变化的严峻程度。

The report revealed the severity of climate change to the public for the first time.

Using 首次 for emphasis and formal tone.

尽管面临巨大压力，他依然拒绝透露消息来源。

Despite facing immense pressure, he still refused to reveal the source of the information.

Concession clause with 尽管...依然.

从他的言谈举止中，可以透露出他受过良好的教育。

From his speech and behavior, it can be revealed that he has received a good education.

Using 从...中 to indicate origin of observation.

这次泄密事件透露出公司内部管理存在的严重漏洞。

This leak incident revealed the serious loopholes existing in the company's internal management.

Using 透露出 to show underlying issues.

据可靠消息人士透露，双方已就核心条款达成一致。

According to reliable sources, both sides have reached an agreement on the core terms.

Advanced journalistic phrasing.

她无意中透露的话语，成为了破案的关键线索。

The words she unintentionally revealed became the key clue to solving the case.

Noun phrase modified by a relative clause (透露的话语).

政府发言人在例行记者会上透露了下一步的经济刺激计划。

The government spokesperson revealed the next step of the economic stimulus plan at the regular press conference.

Complex sentence with specific time and place markers.

那座古老的建筑，每一块砖瓦都透露着历史的沧桑。

That ancient building, every brick and tile reveals the vicissitudes of history.

Poetic usage with abstract concepts.

文章的字里行间隐隐透露出作者对当代社会物欲横流的批判。

Between the lines of the article, the author's critique of the rampant materialism in contemporary society is faintly revealed.

Highly abstract and literary usage with 隐隐透露出.

在错综复杂的国际博弈中，任何一方都不愿过早透露自己的底牌。

In the intricate international game, neither side is willing to reveal their bottom cards too early.

Metaphorical usage (底牌 - bottom cards/true intentions).

这份看似平淡的财务报表，实则透露出企业资金链即将断裂的危险信号。

This seemingly plain financial statement actually reveals the dangerous signal that the enterprise's capital chain is about to break.

Contrast structure 看似...实则...

他那种居高临下的态度，无意间透露了他内心深处的傲慢与偏见。

His condescending attitude unintentionally revealed the arrogance and prejudice deep in his heart.

Psychological analysis using 透露.

据不愿透露姓名的知情高管称，并购案已进入实质性谈判阶段。

According to an informed executive who wished to remain anonymous, the merger and acquisition case has entered the substantive negotiation phase.

Standard high-level business journalism phrasing.

这部电影的每一个镜头语言，都在向观众透露着导演对生命意义的终极拷问。

Every shot language of this film is revealing to the audience the director's ultimate interrogation of the meaning of life.

Artistic and philosophical context.

面对记者的连番追问，他始终守口如瓶，没有透露半点口风。

Facing the reporters' continuous questioning, he remained tight-lipped and did not reveal the slightest hint.

Use of idioms (守口如瓶) and fixed expressions (透露半点口风).

历史的档案往往在不经意间，向后人透露出那些被岁月掩盖的惊天秘密。

Historical archives often inadvertently reveal to future generations those earth-shattering secrets covered by time.

Literary and historical narrative style.

那看似漫不经心的一瞥，实则透露出他洞悉一切的深邃与老练。

That seemingly casual glance actually revealed his profoundness and sophistication in seeing through everything.

Mastery of subtle psychological description.

在宏大的时代叙事背后，往往是无数个体的微观命运透露着历史的真实走向。

Behind the grand narrative of the era, it is often the micro-destinies of countless individuals that reveal the true direction of history.

Philosophical and sociological analysis.

这部交响乐的第三乐章，通过不和谐的音符透露出作曲家晚年内心的挣扎与绝望。

The third movement of this symphony reveals the composer's inner struggle and despair in his later years through discordant notes.

Music criticism and abstract emotional interpretation.

即便是在最严密的审查制度下，真相也总能通过各种隐秘的渠道透露出来。

Even under the strictest censorship system, the truth can always be revealed through various secret channels.

Political commentary with complex conditional clauses.

他那篇晦涩难懂的学术论文，其实是在向同行透露一个颠覆性的理论框架。

His obscure academic paper is actually revealing a subversive theoretical framework to his peers.

Academic discourse and nuanced intention.

古诗词中那些借景抒情的佳句，无不透露着古人对宇宙人生的哲理思考。

Those excellent lines in ancient poetry that express emotions through scenery all reveal the ancients' philosophical reflections on the universe and life.

Literary criticism and classical Chinese concepts.

在利益的博弈中，任何一丝情绪的透露都可能成为对手致命的把柄。

In the game of interests, the revelation of any slight emotion could become a fatal handle for the opponent.

High-stakes strategic analysis.

岁月在他脸上刻下的每一道皱纹，都在无声地透露着他一生所经历的风霜雪雨。

Every wrinkle carved by time on his face silently reveals the hardships he has experienced throughout his life.

Highly poetic and evocative imagery.

Synonyms

泄露显示公开揭露

Antonyms

隐藏保密掩盖

Common Collocations

透露消息

透露细节

透露心声

拒绝透露

透露出

向外透露

透露真相

透露风声

透露秘密

透露信息

Common Phrases

据透露

不方便透露

无可透露

向媒体透露

内部透露

透露一点风声

字里行间透露出

无意中透露

拒绝透露细节

透露个人隐私

Often Confused With

透露 vs 暴露

透露 vs 泄露

透露 vs 揭露

Idioms & Expressions

"走漏风声"

"原形毕露"

"真情流露"

"深藏不露"

"水落石出"

"欲盖弥彰"

"不言而喻"

"昭然若揭"

"显而易见"

"吐露心声"

Easily Confused

透露 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

formality

Appropriate for both formal news and informal gossip.

collocation warning

Do not use 透露 with physical locations (use 暴露 instead).

Common Mistakes

Using 暴露 instead of 透露 to mean 'sharing a secret'.
Saying '透露给我' instead of the more natural '向我透露'.
Using 透露 without a direct object.
Confusing 透露 (neutral leak) with 揭露 (exposing a crime).
Forgetting to add 出 when using 透露 to describe abstract emotions.

Tips

Always Use an Object

Remember that 透露 is a transitive verb. You cannot just say 'He revealed.' You must say 'He revealed the news' (他透露了消息). Always pair it with a noun related to information or secrets.

Distinguish from 暴露

Never use 暴露 when you mean to share a secret. 暴露 is for exposing physical locations or dangerous flaws. Use 透露 for sharing information, gossip, or news.

Use 向 for the Recipient

When you want to say who the information was revealed to, use the preposition 向 (xiàng) before the person. For example, '向我透露' (reveal to me). This is much more natural than using 给.

Revealing Emotions

To describe someone's face or tone revealing an emotion, add the complement 出 (chū). '眼神透露出疲惫' (Eyes reveal fatigue). This makes your Chinese sound very advanced and poetic.

Watch for 据透露 in News

When reading Chinese newspapers or watching the news, look out for the phrase '据透露' (According to sources/It is revealed). It is a major signpost that insider information is about to be shared.

The 'No Comment' Phrase

If someone asks you a sensitive question and you want to politely decline, use '不方便透露' (Inconvenient to reveal). It is the perfect professional shield in business or formal settings.

Common Noun Pairings

Memorize the most common nouns that follow 透露: 消息 (news), 秘密 (secret), 细节 (details), and 真相 (truth). Using these established collocations will make your speech flow naturally.

Master the Double 4th Tone

Both characters in 透露 (tòu lù) are 4th tone. Practice saying them with a crisp, falling intonation. Don't let the second character turn into a neutral tone; keep it strong and clear.

透露 vs 泄露

Use 透露 for general secrets and news leaks. Reserve 泄露 for serious breaches of security, like leaking state secrets or confidential corporate data. 泄露 is much more severe.

Using 透露 in Essays

In formal writing, use 透露 to analyze characters' hidden motives or to discuss the gradual release of information in a historical event. It adds a layer of analytical depth to your essays.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine water (dew - 露) penetrating (透) through a solid wall. The secret information is the water leaking through the barrier so everyone can see it.

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Used frequently in PR to state what a company will NOT share (拒绝透露).

A staple word in Chinese news to attribute facts to anonymous sources.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你能透露一下你的成功秘诀吗？"

"关于那个新项目，有没有什么可以透露的？"

"他向你透露了什么秘密？"

"为什么官方拒绝透露真相？"

"你的表情透露了你的真实想法。"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time someone revealed a secret to you.

Describe a news event where details were slowly revealed.

Write a story where a character's eyes reveal their true feelings.

Discuss why companies refuse to reveal certain information.

Reflect on the difference between revealing a secret and exposing a lie.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. 透露 is a transitive verb in Chinese, meaning it requires a direct object to be grammatically complete. You must specify what is being revealed, such as a secret (秘密), news (消息), or details (细节). If you just say '他透露了' (He revealed), a native speaker will immediately ask '透露了什么？' (Revealed what?). Always pair it with an appropriate noun.

This is a very common point of confusion. 透露 means to reveal or leak information, secrets, or news. It is about sharing knowledge. 暴露, on the other hand, means to expose a physical position, a hidden danger, or a severe flaw. You 透露 a surprise party plan, but a soldier might 暴露 their position to the enemy. Using 暴露 for sharing a secret sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.

The correct and most natural way to say this is '向我透露' (xiàng wǒ tòu lù). The preposition 向 (towards) is the standard collocate for indicating the recipient of the revealed information. While you might occasionally hear '透露给我' (tòu lù gěi wǒ) in very casual speech, '向我透露' is grammatically superior and appropriate for all registers, from daily conversation to formal writing.

Yes, absolutely! This is a very common and elegant usage. When used for emotions or abstract states, it is usually paired with the directional complement 出 (out), forming '透露出' (tòu lù chū). For example, '他的眼神透露出悲伤' (His eyes revealed sadness). This implies that the emotion is leaking out or becoming visible despite attempts to hide it, adding depth to your descriptions.

'据透露' (jù tòu lù) translates to 'according to what has been revealed' or 'it is reported/disclosed.' It is a standard journalistic phrase used to introduce information obtained from sources, often anonymous ones. Journalists use it to present facts without taking direct responsibility for their absolute accuracy, similar to saying 'Sources say...' in English. It is essential for reading Chinese news.

透露 is highly versatile and spans both formal and informal registers. In formal contexts, like news broadcasts or corporate press releases, it is used to discuss the disclosure of official information or strategic plans. In informal contexts, like chatting with friends, it is used to talk about sharing gossip or personal secrets. Its tone depends entirely on the context and the object it takes.

The most common and polite phrase for this in business, customer service, or even personal situations is '不方便透露' (bù fāng biàn tòu lù), which literally means 'it is inconvenient to reveal.' It is the Chinese equivalent of saying 'I cannot comment on that' or 'That is confidential.' It is much softer and more professional than a blunt '我不告诉你' (I won't tell you).

Both mean to leak information, but they differ in severity and connotation. 透露 is generally neutral; it can be a deliberate, harmless sharing of information, like revealing a movie plot. 泄露 (xiè lù) implies a serious, often illegal or damaging breach of confidentiality, such as leaking state secrets, classified corporate data, or sensitive personal information. 泄露 carries a much heavier negative weight.

While a crime might be revealed, the better word for exposing illegal activities, corruption, or scandals is 揭露 (jiē lù). 揭露 carries the connotation of unmasking something bad and bringing it to the light of justice. 透露 is too neutral for this context. An investigative journalist 揭露 (exposes) a scam, but an insider might 透露 (leak) the initial tip to the journalist.

透露 is pronounced 'tòu lù' in pinyin. Both characters are in the fourth tone, which means they should be pronounced with a sharp, falling pitch, like giving a short command in English. Ensure you clearly articulate the 't' sound in 'tou' and the 'l' sound in 'lu'. Practicing the double fourth tone combination will help you sound more confident and native-like.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using '透露' and '秘密' (secret).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Basic SVO structure with preposition 向.