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流通 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
流通liútōngto circulateHSK 6, vn, rank #15510, Hard
流通liútōngto distributeHSK 6, vn, rank #15510, Hard
流通liútōngcirculationHSK 6, vn, rank #15510, Hard
流通liútōngdistributionHSK 6, vn, rank #15510, Hard
liútōng(liu2tong1) T2
  1. 1to circulate
  2. 2to distribute
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March 24, 2026
流通liútōng(liu2tong1)

流通 refers to the process of circulation or distribution of goods, services, or information. It is commonly used in economic contexts, such as discussing market flows or the distribution of resources. The term implies movement and accessibility within a system.

Frequency#15510DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 流通 is crucial for understanding the economy, especially in the context of the rapid development of e-commerce and logistics in recent years. The ability to circulate goods efficiently is seen as a key driver of economic growth.

Memory Tip

Imagine a river (流) flowing freely (通) through a town, distributing water to all the gardens. This image can help you remember that 流通 means 'to circulate' or 'to distribute.' The flowing river represents the movement inherent in the concept.

Meanings of 流通

liútōng(liu2tong1)
1to circulate
2to distribute
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 流通

流通Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#15510Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 流通

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Podcast: 流通

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AI Study Notes for 流通

Quick Contrast

流转 (liúzhuàn) refers more specifically to the transfer or turnover of goods, while 流通 (liútōng) emphasizes the broader concept of circulation and accessibility within a system.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a river (流) flowing freely (通) through a town, distributing water to all the gardens. This image can help you remember that 流通 means 'to circulate' or 'to distribute.' The flowing river represents the movement inherent in the concept.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 流通 with related terms like 分配 (fēnpèi), which specifically means 'to allocate.' 流通 is more about the general movement and availability. It's often used in formal contexts, especially in economics.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 流通 connects with other economic terms like 经济 (jīngjì, economy) and 市场 (shìchǎng, market). Students should focus on using it in sentences that involve trade, market dynamics, or logistics.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 流通 is crucial for understanding the economy, especially in the context of the rapid development of e-commerce and logistics in recent years. The ability to circulate goods efficiently is seen as a key driver of economic growth.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 流通 with 流动 (liúdòng), which means 'flow' or 'mobility.' For example, saying '市场流动' instead of '市场流通' is incorrect when referring to market distribution.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 流通

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Component Characters

liúto flow
HSK 410 strokes
View full entry
tōngto go through
HSK 410 strokes
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Write 流通

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

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Grammar Patterns of 流通

流通 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.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

____领域的货币供应量一夜骤减。

The supply of money in circulation was drastically reduced overnight.

Example Sentences for 流通 (2)

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1
流通领域的货币供应量一夜骤减。

liú tōng lǐng yù de huò bì gōng yīng liáng yī yè zhòu jiǎn。

The supply of money in circulation was drastically reduced overnight.
2
变厚的动脉壁使流通血液的管腔变细.

biàn hòu de dòng mài bì shǐ liú tōng xiě yè de guǎn qiāng biàn xì.

The thickened artery wall narrows the channel through which the blood flows.

Cultural Notes for 流通

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 流通 is crucial for understanding the economy, especially in the context of the rapid development of e-commerce and logistics in recent years. The ability to circulate goods efficiently is seen as a key driver of economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions about 流通

While 流通 is most commonly used in economics, it can also refer to the circulation of information or ideas in a broader context.