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March 24, 2026
通俗tōngsú(tong1su2)
The term '通俗' (tōngsú) refers to something that is common, popular, or easily understood by the general public. It is often used in contexts where language, ideas, or culture are accessible to the average person, as opposed to being specialized or scholarly.
Frequency#21491DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, '通俗' often describes popular literature and media that convey traditional values or contemporary issues in a way that resonates with the everyday person, reflecting a cultural appreciation for accessibility.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '通' (tōng) road that everyone can '俗' (sú) use, representing how accessible and common something is. Visualize a busy street filled with people easily communicating in everyday language, making the concept of '通俗' memorable.
Meanings of 通俗
tōngsú(tong1su2)
1common
2everyday
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 通俗
通俗Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#21491Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 通俗
Podcast: 通俗
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AI Study Notes for 通俗
Quick Contrast
通俗 (tōngsú) vs 普通 (pǔtōng) — use 通俗 when emphasizing accessibility and popularity, while 普通 refers more generally to something that is ordinary or common without the nuance of being popular or easily understood.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a '通' (tōng) road that everyone can '俗' (sú) use, representing how accessible and common something is. Visualize a busy street filled with people easily communicating in everyday language, making the concept of '通俗' memorable.
Usage Notes
'通俗' is typically used in informal contexts, especially when discussing literature, language, or art that is intended for a broad audience. Common mistakes include using it in overly formal situations or confusing it with '复杂' (zhuàng) which means complex.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '通俗' connects to other advanced vocabulary related to communication and culture. Students should focus on using it in phrases and sentences that discuss accessibility and relatability in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, '通俗' often describes popular literature and media that convey traditional values or contemporary issues in a way that resonates with the everyday person, reflecting a cultural appreciation for accessibility.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '通俗' with '复杂', mistakenly using it to describe complicated ideas. For example, saying '这本书很通俗' (This book is very common) when they mean 'This book is very complicated' would be incorrect; the correct usage would be '这本书很复杂'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 通俗
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Grammar Patterns of 通俗
通俗 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这篇课文把相当复杂的主题讲述得深入浅出、____易懂。
The text is approachable, coping well with quite complicated subjects.
Example Sentences for 通俗 (8)
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1
这篇课文把相当复杂的主题讲述得深入浅出、通俗易懂。
zhè piān kè wén bǎ xiāng dāng fù zá de zhǔ tí jiǎng shù dé shēn rù qiǎn chū、 、 tōng sú yì。
The text is approachable, coping well with quite complicated subjects.
2
通俗报纸的内页都有照片专栏.
tōng sú bào zhǐ de nèi yè dū yǒu zhào piàn zhuān lán.
The popular papers all have photo features on their inside pages.
3
劳森写得很好：英文通俗易懂，朴实无华又不矫揉造作。
láo sēn xiě dé hěn hǎo： ： yīng wén tōng sú yì， dǒng ， pǔ shí wú huá yòu bù jiǎo róu。
Lawson writes so well: in plain English, without fuss or affectation.
4
总而言之，这是一本通俗而务实的物理入门书。
zǒng ér yán zhī， ， zhè shì yī běn tōng sú ér wù shí de wù lǐ rù mén。
On balance, the book is a friendly, down-to-earth introduction to physics.
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Cultural Notes for 通俗
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, '通俗' often describes popular literature and media that convey traditional values or contemporary issues in a way that resonates with the everyday person, reflecting a cultural appreciation for accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about 通俗
Generally no, as '通俗' emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, while academic texts are often complex and specialized.
'通俗' is neutral; it can be positive when referring to relatable content, but may be seen as negative when implying a lack of depth.
