俗 説(ぞくせつ)

ぞくせつ

noun

popular belief; common notion; folk theory

1. popular belief; common notion; folk theory

A widely held belief or explanation that is not necessarily supported by evidence or scholarly consensus. Often implies the belief may be inaccurate or unverified.

それは俗説(ぞくせつ)にすぎない。

That's nothing more than a popular belief.

俗説(ぞくせつ)では、猫(ねこ)は九(きゅう)つの命(いのち)を持(も)つと言(い)われている。

According to popular belief, cats have nine lives.

科学的(かがくてき)根拠(こんきょ)のない俗説(ぞくせつ)が今(いま)でも広(ひろ)く信(しん)じられている。

Folk theories without scientific basis are still widely believed today.

Refers to beliefs or explanations circulating among the general public that lack rigorous evidence. Often used in a dismissive tone to contrast popular assumptions with established facts.

Common collocations

俗説(ぞくせつ)にすぎない: merely a popular belief
俗説(ぞくせつ)を覆(くつがえ)す: to overturn a popular belief
俗説(ぞくせつ)によれば: according to popular belief
俗説(ぞくせつ)が広(ひろ)まる: for a folk theory to spread

Similar words

迷信(めいしん): superstition — stronger negative connotation, implies irrational belief
通説(つうせつ): commonly accepted theory — more neutral, may actually be correct
都市伝説(としでんせつ): urban legend — modern folk stories, often dramatic or sensational

Etymology

Combines 俗(ぞく) (common, vulgar, popular) and 説(せつ) (theory, explanation).

Related Words

Compare: 迷信(めいしん) (superstition)

Compare: 通説(つうせつ) (commonly accepted theory)

Compare: 都市伝説(としでんせつ) (urban legend)

general

Added 2026.3.25 12:40 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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