伝わる

つたわる

to be handed down, to be transmitted

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"伝わる" (つたわる) means "to be transmitted," "to be handed down," or "to be conveyed." It is often used when talking about information, feelings, culture, or messages being passed from one person or generation to another.

Common Contexts

You will hear "伝わる" in contexts like communication (whether feelings or information), cultural transmission, or even rumors spreading.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 伝わる + か (question): Asking if something has been conveyed properly.
  • 気持ちが伝わる: Feelings are conveyed.
  • 文化が伝わる: Culture is handed down.

Nuances

Using "伝わる" implies that the transmission or communication is successful or at least happening naturally, without the speaker actively doing the transmitting (which would be "伝える").

Common Mistake

Confusing "伝わる" (intransitive) with "伝える" (transitive). Remember, "伝わる" focuses on the message or feeling being received or spreading, not on the act of sending it.

Example Sentences

このはなしはただしくつたわっていますか?

Is this story being conveyed correctly?

かれのきもちがちゃんとつたわっているといいですね。

I hope his feelings are properly conveyed.

むかしのぶんかがいまにつたわっている。

The culture of the past has been handed down to the present.