Meanings of 胡同
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About 胡同
Podcast: 胡同
Podcast: 胡同
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AI Study Notes for 胡同
巷 (xiàng) - use 胡同 (hútòng) for the specific cultural and historical context of Beijing's alleys, while 巷 (xiàng) is a more general term for any alley.
Imagine a 'Hoo' (胡) who walks through a 'tong' (通) in a narrow alley, discovering the hidden life within. The 'Hoo' represents the 'hú' sound, while 'tong' can remind you of the '通' for passage, emphasizing the idea of a passageway.
胡同 is often used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to specific alleys or in discussions about urban planning and culture. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like 小巷 (xiǎo xiàng), which can refer to smaller streets or lanes. The correct tone is crucial: 'hú' with a rising tone and 'tòng' with a falling tone.
As an HSK 5 word, 胡同 connects well with other vocabulary related to urban living and cultural heritage. Students should focus on its usage in context, such as discussing neighborhoods or cultural tourism in Beijing.
胡同 are emblematic of Beijing's historical architecture and urban design, showcasing the traditional way of life. The preservation of these alleys is often a topic of discussion in modern urban development.
Learners often mistakenly say 'hu dong' instead of 'hú tòng' due to mispronunciation. Additionally, some might use it to refer to broader streets, which is incorrect; 胡同 specifically refers to narrower lanes.
Pronunciation of 胡同
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 胡同
胡同 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 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
夜幕渐渐降临，我们驱车在狭窄的____里缓慢前行。
As the dusk shaded into night, we drove slowly through narrow alleys.
Example Sentences for 胡同 (5)
Cultural Notes for 胡同
胡同 are emblematic of Beijing's historical architecture and urban design, showcasing the traditional way of life. The preservation of these alleys is often a topic of discussion in modern urban development.
In Western cities, alleys are often associated with urban decay or crime, while in Beijing,胡同 are celebrated as quaint, culturally rich spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions about 胡同
胡同 specifically refers to the traditional alleys in Beijing, while 巷 can refer to any type of lane or small street.