Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the idea of spreading information through informal spoken communication, rather than written or official channels.
To say that information is passed from person to person by talking.
The most common modern phrase for information spreading by word-of-mouth, often used for reviews, rumors, or news.
このレストランは口コミで人気になった。
This restaurant became popular through word-of-mouth.
Literally 'transmitted by word of mouth', emphasizes the oral, person-to-person nature. Slightly more formal than 口コミ.
その話は口伝えで村中に広まった。
The story spread throughout the village by word-of-mouth.
Means 'to hear from someone else', often implying the information came through a chain of people.
彼の結婚は人づてに聞いた。
I heard about his marriage through the grapevine.
Means 'rumor' or 'gossip'. Use when the information is unverified or speculative.
その噂はあっという間に広まった。
The rumor spread in no time.
To describe the act of actively passing information to others verbally.
Means 'to convey orally', often used in formal or business contexts to distinguish from written communication.
重要な変更は口頭で伝えられた。
The important changes were communicated verbally.
To pass down or transmit by word of mouth, often used for traditions, legends, or instructions.
この言い伝えは何世代にもわたって言い伝えられてきた。
This legend has been passed down orally for generations.
To pass on a message, often a specific piece of information from one person to another.
彼に伝言しておいてください。
Please pass the message on to him.
To emphasize that information circulates through informal networks.
Literally 'from mouth to mouth', a vivid expression for word-of-mouth spread.
そのニュースは口から口へと伝わった。
The news spread from mouth to mouth.
Means 'to spread through personal networks', emphasizing social circles.
このイベントは人の輪で広がっていった。
This event spread through word-of-mouth networks.
口コミ (kuchikomi) is the most common modern term, especially for consumer reviews and social media. 口伝え (kuchizutae) has a more traditional, oral-history nuance and is less common in casual conversation.
The English phrase 'word-of-mouth' does not translate directly into a single Japanese noun. Use the phrases above depending on context. Simply saying ワードオブマウス is not natural.