When you combine 泄 (to leak out) and 露 (to expose), you get 泄露 (xièlù). The word paints a vivid picture: information that was once contained has leaked out and is now exposed for all to see.
In Chinese culture, as in many others, discretion and the protection of information are highly valued. However, the concept of 泄露 (xièlù) takes on a particular weight in the modern era, reflecting global anxieties about information security. A key cultural comparison is between 泄露 (xièlù) and the Western concept of “whistleblowing.” While both involve revealing secret information, their connotations differ significantly. 泄露 is almost always seen as a failure—a security breach, an act of betrayal, or a mistake. It focuses on the negative outcome of the leak. Whistleblowing, on the other hand, can be framed positively as a courageous act of exposing wrongdoing for the greater good. The Chinese equivalent for this is closer to 揭发 (jiēfā) or 举报 (jǔbào), which means “to expose” or “to report” wrongdoing. Using 泄露 to describe a whistleblower's actions would be neutral at best, and could even imply their actions were illegitimate or damaging. This distinction highlights how the language reflects different cultural perspectives on the release of sensitive information.
泄露 is a common and important word in formal and semi-formal contexts. Its usage has exploded with the rise of the internet and concerns over digital privacy.
The connotation of 泄露 is overwhelmingly negative, suggesting harm, carelessness, or betrayal.