と言われている【といわれている】

The expression と言われている is used to convey widely held beliefs, common knowledge, or hearsay – things that are generally said or believed by people. It translates to "it is said that…", "people say that…", or "is known as…" in English.

It is formed by combining the quotation particle と, the passive form of ゆう言う (to say), and 〜～ている (indicating an ongoing state). The result describes something that has been said and continues to be said – a persistent belief or reputation.

Reporting common beliefs or general knowledge

The subject doing the "saying" is unspecified – it refers to people in general.

Describing reputations or how something is known

When used with a noun or name, と言われている can express how something or someone is known as or is called.

Polite form

In polite speech, いる becomes います:

Past form

To describe something that was said or used to be believed, use と言われていた:

Related expressions

• 〜～そうだ (hearsay) – reports what a specific person said or a specific source states.
• と言われている – reports what people in general say; emphasizes that the belief is widespread and ongoing.