Translation guide
In Japanese, a 'groundless rumor' is commonly expressed with words like 噂 (うわさ) modified by adjectives meaning 'baseless' or 'unfounded', or with specific compounds like 流言 (りゅうげん) or デマ. The most natural way to say it depends on context: casual conversation often uses 根も葉もない噂, while news or formal contexts may use 流言飛語 or 風評.
To refer to a rumor that has no basis in fact, in everyday conversation or writing.
A common idiomatic phrase meaning 'a rumor without root or leaf', i.e., completely groundless. Suitable for most situations.
それは根も葉もない噂だよ。
That's a groundless rumor.
Literally 'rumor without basis'. Slightly more formal than 根も葉もない噂, but still common.
根拠のない噂を広めるのはやめてください。
Please stop spreading groundless rumors.
Short for デマゴギー (demagogy), used for false rumors or misinformation, often spread maliciously. Common in news and social media.
あれはただのデマだった。
That was just a groundless rumor.
A more literary term for a groundless rumor or false report. Often used in compounds like 流言飛語.
流言に惑わされてはいけない。
Don't be misled by groundless rumors.
To describe a rumor that damages someone's reputation or causes economic harm, often in news or business contexts.
Refers to a rumor or hearsay that affects public perception, often used in phrases like 風評被害 (reputational damage from rumors).
その事故で風評被害が出た。
The accident caused damage from groundless rumors.
Means 'malicious false rumor'. Used when the rumor is intentionally harmful.
悪質なデマが拡散された。
Malicious groundless rumors were spread.
To emphasize that a rumor is not only groundless but also sensational or absurd.
Part of the compound 流言飛語 (りゅうげんひご), meaning wild rumors or baseless gossip. Rarely used alone.
流言飛語が飛び交っている。
Wild groundless rumors are flying around.
噂 (うわさ) is a neutral word for 'rumor' and can be true or false. To specify it's groundless, add 根も葉もない or 根拠のない. デマ implies deliberate falsehood or misinformation. 風評 is used for rumors affecting business or reputation, often in economic contexts.
Direct translations like '地面のない噂' are unnatural. Use the idiomatic phrases provided.