据说 (jù shuō) is an adverb meaning 'it is said' or 'reportedly'. It introduces information that comes from hearsay, unconfirmed sources, or general public opinion—not from the speaker’s direct knowledge or personal experience. The character 据 means 'according to' or 'based on', and 说 means 'to say' or 'to speak'; together, they literally mean 'according to what is said'. This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to soften claims, express uncertainty, or attribute information indirectly.

据说 typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a statement. It carries a neutral to slightly formal tone and is appropriate in news reports, casual conversation, and academic writing when citing secondhand information. It does not imply truth or falsehood—only that the information is circulating without verified origin. Learners should avoid using it to state facts they know firsthand, as this can sound evasive or untrustworthy.