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沟通 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
沟通gōutōngto joinHSK 5, v, rank #4227, Hard
沟通gōutōngto connectHSK 5, v, rank #4227, Hard
沟通gōutōngto link upHSK 5, v, rank #4227, Hard
沟通gōutōngto communicateHSK 5, v, rank #4227, Hard
gōutōng(gou1tong1) T1
  1. 1to join
  2. 2to connect
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
沟通(溝通)gōutōng(gou1tong1)

沟通 (gōutōng) refers to the act of communicating or connecting ideas, people, or information. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe interactions where understanding or exchange occurs, such as in discussions, meetings, or personal conversations.

Frequency#4227DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, effective communication is highly valued, especially in business and social settings. The concept of 沟通 emphasizes harmony and understanding, reflecting the importance of maintaining good relationships in personal and professional spheres.

Memory Tip

Imagine a river (沟) flowing through a valley, connecting different lands (通). The river symbolizes the flow of communication, while the valley represents the people or ideas being linked. The sound 'gou' can remind you of 'go,' as in 'go and communicate,' making it easier to remember.

Meanings of 沟通

gōutōng(gou1tong1)
1to join
2to connect
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 沟通

沟通Simplified
溝通Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4227Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 沟通

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Podcast: 沟通

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AI Study Notes for 沟通

Quick Contrast

交流 (jiāoliú) — use 沟通 when emphasizing the connection or understanding between parties, while 交流 focuses more on the act of exchanging information.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a river (沟) flowing through a valley, connecting different lands (通). The river symbolizes the flow of communication, while the valley represents the people or ideas being linked. The sound 'gou' can remind you of 'go,' as in 'go and communicate,' making it easier to remember.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 沟通 in overly formal contexts where simpler words like 说 (to speak) or 聊 (to chat) may be more appropriate. Avoid mixing it with words that imply a one-sided action, as 沟通 implies a two-way exchange. Be mindful of tone; the first tone (gōu) should be pronounced high and level, while the second tone (tōng) should be pronounced with a rising pitch.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 沟通 connects well with other vocabulary related to communication and relationships, such as 交流 (exchange) and 联系 (contact). Students should focus on using it in both written and spoken contexts to enhance their conversational skills.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, effective communication is highly valued, especially in business and social settings. The concept of 沟通 emphasizes harmony and understanding, reflecting the importance of maintaining good relationships in personal and professional spheres.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 沟通 with related words like 联系 (to contact) and 说 (to say). For example, saying '我联系他' (I communicate with him) instead of '我沟通他' is more appropriate. Make sure to use the right context for each term.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 沟通

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Component Characters

沟gōuditch
HSK 67 strokes氵
View full entry
通tōngto go through
HSK 410 strokes辶
View full entry

Write 沟通

沟
通

Practice writing 沟通 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 沟通

沟通 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.

Related grammar lessons3
Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

由此可见，良好的____是团队成功的关键。

From this we can see that good communication is the key to team success.

Example Sentences for 沟通 (16)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
家庭疗法指导我们彼此之间的沟通交流。

jiā tíng liáo fǎ zhǐ dǎo wǒ mén bǐ cǐ zhī jiān de gōu tōng jiāo liú。

Family therapy showed us how to communicate with each other.
2
这两个朋友发现他们与官员们无法沟通。

zhè liǎng gè péng yǒu fā xiàn tā mén yǔ guān yuán mén wú fǎ gōu tōng。

The two friends find themselves at cross-purposes with the officials.
3
她从未得到他准备沟通的一丁点儿暗示。

tā cóng wèi dé dào tā zhǔn bèi gōu tōng de yī dīng diǎn ér àn shì。

She'd never received the merest hint of any communication from him.
4
国与国之间的隔阂是由沟通缓慢而又太少形成的.

guó yǔ guó zhī jiān de gé hé shì yóu gōu tōng huǎn màn ér yòu tài shǎo xíng chéng de.

Barriers between nations are reared by slow and infrequent communication.
5
为了更好地解决问题，我们应该主动沟通，找到共同点。

Wèile gèng hǎo de jiějué wèntí, wǒmen yīnggāi zhǔdòng gōutōng, zhǎodào gòngtóngdiǎn.

To better solve the problem, we should actively join in communication and find common ground.
6
管理层与员工的有效沟通能够显著提高工作效率。

Guǎnlǐcéng yǔ yuángōng de yǒuxiào gōutōng nénggòu xiǎnzhù tígāo gōngzuò xiàolǜ.

Effective communication between management and employees can significantly enhance work efficiency.
7
为了实现项目目标，各部门需要密切沟通，避免误解。

Wèi le shíxiàn xiàngmù mùbiāo, gè bùmén xūyào mìqiè gōutōng, bìmiǎn wùjiě.

To achieve the project goals, all departments need to closely join in communication to avoid misunderstandings.
8
当团队成员之间出现分歧时，及时沟通是解决问题的关键。

Dāng tuánduì chéngyuán zhījiān chūxiàn fēnqí shí, jíshí gōutōng shì jiějué wèntí de guānjiàn.

When there are disagreements among team members, timely communication is key to joining forces to solve problems.
9
企业文化的形成需要上下级之间的良好沟通。

Qǐyè wénhuà de xíngchéng xūyào shàngxià jí zhījiān de liánghǎo gōutōng.

The formation of corporate culture requires good communication between different levels of the organization to join them together.
10
跨国合作项目成功的基础是参与方的有效沟通。

Kuàguó hézuò xiàngmù chénggōng de jīchǔ shì cānyù fāng de yǒuxiào gōutōng.

The foundation of a successful international cooperation project is the effective communication of the parties involved to join their efforts.
11
为了更好地解决问题，我们应该主动沟通，找到共同点。

Wèile gèng hǎo de jiějué wèntí, wǒmen yīnggāi zhǔdòng gōutōng, zhǎodào gòngtóngdiǎn.

To better solve the problem, we should actively join in communication and find common ground.
12
管理层与员工的有效沟通能够显著提高工作效率。

Guǎnlǐcéng yǔ yuángōng de yǒuxiào gōutōng nénggòu xiǎnzhù tígāo gōngzuò xiàolǜ.

Effective communication between management and employees can significantly enhance work efficiency.
13
为了实现项目目标，各部门需要密切沟通，避免误解。

Wèi le shíxiàn xiàngmù mùbiāo, gè bùmén xūyào mìqiè gōutōng, bìmiǎn wùjiě.

To achieve the project goals, all departments need to closely join in communication to avoid misunderstandings.
14
当团队成员之间出现分歧时，及时沟通是解决问题的关键。

Dāng tuánduì chéngyuán zhījiān chūxiàn fēnqí shí, jíshí gōutōng shì jiějué wèntí de guānjiàn.

When there are disagreements among team members, timely communication is key to joining forces to solve problems.
15
企业文化的形成需要上下级之间的良好沟通。

Qǐyè wénhuà de xíngchéng xūyào shàngxià jí zhījiān de liánghǎo gōutōng.

The formation of corporate culture requires good communication between different levels of the organization to join them together.
16
跨国合作项目成功的基础是参与方的有效沟通。

Kuàguó hézuò xiàngmù chénggōng de jīchǔ shì cānyù fāng de yǒuxiào gōutōng.

The foundation of a successful international cooperation project is the effective communication of the parties involved to join their efforts.

Cultural Notes for 沟通

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, effective communication is highly valued, especially in business and social settings. The concept of 沟通 emphasizes harmony and understanding, reflecting the importance of maintaining good relationships in personal and professional spheres.

Frequently Asked Questions about 沟通

沟通 emphasizes the connection and understanding between parties, while 交流 focuses more on the exchange of ideas or information.