Grammar Info
N4 Lesson 10: 17/18

と言(い)われている
it is said that, is known as

Structure
Casual
Polite
Phrase + いわれている
Phrase + いわれています
Details
Register Standard
使用域 一般
Information
といわれている is often translated as ‘to be said that (A)’, or ‘it is known that (A)’. Like とされている, it is another construction that links the 格助詞(かくじょし) (case-marking particle) , with the passive form of another verb, to mark a commonly held/public opinion. The verb in this case being 言(い)う.
However, unlike とされている which expresses a ‘result’, といわれている expresses 引用(いんよう) a ‘quotation’. To use といわれている, add it to the end of a phrase that you would like to express as being a common thing that is said.
  • 大阪(おおさか)タコ焼(や)き日本一(にほんいち)美味(おい)しといわれている
    It is said that Osaka’s takoyaki is the most delicious in Japan.
  • ティフアナ世界一(せかいいち)危険(きけん)町(まち)といわれている
    It is said that Tijuana is the most dangerous city in the world.
This particular grammar point is regularly seen both with, and without the kanji for 言(い)う, as the meaning will not change depending on its usage.
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この町(まち)たくさん有名(ゆうめい)食(た)べ物(もの)があると言(い)われている
It is said that this town has a lot of famous foods.
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危(あぶ)ないと言(い)われているのでしないほうがいい
Because it is said that it is dangerous, you shouldn't do it.
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私(わたし)妹(いもうと)歌(うた)上手(じょうず)歌(うた)えるとよく言(い)われている
It is often said that my little sister can sing songs well.
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