Spanish · C1 · Family moment
A Rumour Is Not an Entry Rule in Spanish
This guide helps parents teach their children to navigate school rumors and unofficial claims. By focusing on how to report hearsay vs. facts, you can encourage curiosity about opportunities while maintaining a healthy level of skepticism toward 'entry rules' that aren't official.
What you'll learn
- Differentiate between verified information and hearsay regarding school programs.
- Use reporting verbs and structures to discuss unverified claims in Spanish.
- Practice investigating the source of a claim before making decisions.
Spanish phrases for a rumour is not an entry rule
Se dice que el club de ciencias tiene una larga lista de espera; ¿preguntamos al profesor?
The science club is said to have a long waiting list; shall we check with the teacher?
Using 'Se dice que' (It is said that) is a common way to express general hearsay.
Dicen que el nuevo tutor de arte acepta a principiantes, así que no tienes por qué descartarte.
The new art tutor is said to welcome beginners, so you do not need to rule yourself out.
The plural 'Dicen que' (They say) functions similarly to the English 'It is said'.
Supuestamente, el programa de programación acepta a niños de varios colegios; ¿dónde oíste lo contrario?
The coding programme reportedly accepts children from several schools; where did you hear otherwise?
'Supuestamente' translates 'reportedly' or 'supposedly' to mark unverified status.
Se comenta que la tarea de selección se centra en el trabajo en equipo más que en la velocidad.
The selection task is said to focus on teamwork rather than speed.
'Se comenta' implies something being talked about in a community or group.
Se dice que el colegio cambió las normas de ingreso el trimestre pasado; busquemos la versión actual.
The school is said to have changed the entry rules last term; let's find the current version.
Here, 'Se dice que' introduces an event that reportedly occurred in the past.
Se rumorea que un aspirante presentó un vídeo en lugar de un ensayo, pero no conocemos las circunstancias.
One applicant is said to have submitted a video instead of an essay, but we do not know the circumstances.
'Se rumorea' (It is rumored) is a direct way to flag hearsay.
Según informes, los organizadores ofrecieron plazas extra el año pasado; eso no garantiza que lo hagan de nuevo.
The organisers reportedly offered extra places last year; that does not guarantee they will do so again.
'Según informes' provides a more formal tone for 'reportedly'.
Dicen que el club de música presta instrumentos; eso es un rumor sobre lo que ofrece, no una obligación para que te apuntes.
The music club is said to lend instruments; that is a report about what it offers, not an obligation for you to join.
Distinguishes between a reported benefit and a requirement.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Se dice que
It is said that / They say that
The most versatile way to express 'sollen' (reportative) in Spanish.
Supuestamente
Supposedly / Reportedly
An adverb used to indicate that the speaker is not vouching for the truth of the statement.
Descartar
To rule out / To discard
Useful for discussions about selection processes.
Rumor
Rumor / Hearsay
A piece of information that has not been verified.
Expressing Hearsay: The Passive 'Se' vs. Active 'Dicen'
Spanish uses the 'pasiva refleja' (se dice) or the third-person plural (dicen) to convey that information comes from an external, unverified source, mirroring the German reportative 'sollen'.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Hearsay | Se dice + que + [Clause] | Se dice que el club es bueno. |
| Past Hearsay | Se dice + que + [Preterite/Imperfect] | Se dice que el tutor aceptó a todos. |
| Adverbial | Supuestamente / Según parece | Supuestamente ya no hay plazas. |
More examples
No te fíes de los rumores del patio; se dice mucho pero se confirma poco.
Don't trust playground rumors; much is said but little is confirmed.
A general advice phrase for children.
Si se comenta que han cambiado las reglas, lo mejor es ir a la fuente oficial.
If it is rumored that they've changed the rules, the best thing is to go to the official source.
Encouraging proactive verification.