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March 24, 2026
交通jiāotōng(jiao1tong1)
交通 (jiāotōng) refers to the systems and means of transportation and communication, encompassing everything from roads and vehicles to the flow of information. It is commonly used in contexts discussing urban infrastructure, travel, and logistics, highlighting how people and goods move from one place to another.
Frequency#2490DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, traffic is often a major topic of conversation, reflecting the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with it. The concept of '交通' is closely linked to the development of high-speed railways and urban transit systems in China, which are seen as symbols of modernity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a busy city where cars, buses, and bicycles are all connecting at a crossroads. The character '交' (jiāo) looks like two paths crossing, and '通' (tōng) suggests smooth, flowing movement. Together, they remind you of the hustle and bustle of transportation.
Meanings of 交通
jiāotōng(jiao1tong1)
1to be connected
2traffic
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About 交通
交通Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2490Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 交通
Podcast: 交通
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AI Study Notes for 交通
Quick Contrast
运输 (yùnshū) refers specifically to the act of transporting goods, while 交通 (jiāotōng) encompasses broader transportation systems including people and information.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a busy city where cars, buses, and bicycles are all connecting at a crossroads. The character '交' (jiāo) looks like two paths crossing, and '通' (tōng) suggests smooth, flowing movement. Together, they remind you of the hustle and bustle of transportation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tones; '交通' should always be pronounced with the first tone (jiāo) and the first tone (tōng). Common collocations include '交通工具' (transportation tools) and '交通堵塞' (traffic jam). The term is neutral and widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, '交通' connects well with other terms related to urban life and travel, such as '城市' (city) and '旅行' (travel). Focus on using it in sentences that describe transport systems or traffic conditions to solidify your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, traffic is often a major topic of conversation, reflecting the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with it. The concept of '交通' is closely linked to the development of high-speed railways and urban transit systems in China, which are seen as symbols of modernity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '交通' with '交往' (interact), leading to incorrect sentences like '我喜欢交通我的朋友' (I like to traffic my friends). The correct form would be '我喜欢和我的朋友交往' (I like to interact with my friends).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 交通
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Grammar Patterns of 交通
交通 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Convenient transportation, the National Road and Highway East Tsing Highway passing through.
10
交通信号黄灯亮了。
jiāo tōng xìn hào huáng dēng liàng le。
The traffic lights were on amber.
Cultural Notes for 交通
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cities, traffic is often a major topic of conversation, reflecting the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with it. The concept of '交通' is closely linked to the development of high-speed railways and urban transit systems in China, which are seen as symbols of modernity.
Frequently Asked Questions about 交通
Common phrases include '交通运输' (transportation) and '交通安全' (traffic safety), which are frequently encountered in discussions about travel and urban planning.
'交通' can be used as follows: '城市的交通很拥堵' (The city's traffic is very congested).
'交通' refers to the overall system of transportation and communication, while '运输' specifically refers to the act of transporting goods or people.
