Meaning
消息 refers to news, information, or messages about events or situations. It can be used for both formal news (like news reports) and informal messages (like personal updates). The word combines 消 (to disappear/reduce) and 息 (breath/rest), originally meaning 'to cease activity' but evolved to mean 'tidings' or 'information.'
Usage
Native speakers use 消息 for various types of information, from breaking news to casual updates from friends. It's commonly paired with verbs like 听说 (hear), 得到 (receive), or 传来 (arrive). More formal than 信息 in news contexts, but interchangeable in casual conversation. Often appears in phrases like 好消息 (good news) or 坏消息 (bad news).
Examples
- 01你听到那个好消息了吗？?Did you hear that good news?
- 02我有个坏消息要告诉你。.I have some bad news to tell you.
Characters
Measure words
- 条一条消息
- 个一个好消息
Common collocations
- 好消息good news
- 坏消息bad news
- 听到消息to hear the news
- 传来消息news arrives
Origin
Originally meant 'the ceasing of activity' from the combination of 消 (disappear) and 息 (breath/rest). The meaning evolved to refer to 'tidings' or 'news' that arrives and settles uncertainty.