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一卡通 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
一卡通yīkǎtōngYikatong (Beijing public transport smart card)HSK 7, unknown, Very Hard
yīkǎtōng(Yi1ka3tong1) T1
  1. 1Yikatong (Beijing public transport smart card)
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March 24, 2026
一卡通()yīkǎtōng(Yi1ka3tong1)

一卡通 (yì kǎ tōng) refers to a smart card used for public transportation in cities like Beijing. It enables users to easily pay for bus and subway fares, streamlining the commuting process. It can also sometimes be used for other services, such as shopping in convenience stores.

Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The 一卡通 system reflects China's rapid urbanization and the reliance on technology in daily life, making public transport more efficient and accessible. It's a significant part of the commuting culture in major cities.

Memory Tip

Imagine a card (卡) that connects (通) you to various transport (一) options in the city. Picture yourself waving this card over a reader, and a magical gateway (一卡通) opens to whisk you away on your journey.

Meanings of 一卡通

yīkǎtōng(Yi1ka3tong1)
1Yikatong (Beijing public transport smart card)
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About 一卡通

一卡通Simplified
Traditional
Strokes
Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 一卡通

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Podcast: 一卡通

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AI Study Notes for 一卡通

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a card (卡) that connects (通) you to various transport (一) options in the city. Picture yourself waving this card over a reader, and a magical gateway (一卡通) opens to whisk you away on your journey.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 一卡通 with other transit cards that may have different functions. This term is informal and primarily used in urban settings. Remember that the tone is crucial: 一 (yì) is first tone, 卡 (kǎ) is third tone, and 通 (tōng) is first tone.

HSK Study Tips

This term is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, but it connects to HSK 2 and 3 levels through transportation vocabulary. Students should focus on tones and the practical applications of public transportation terms in conversations.

Cultural Note

The 一卡通 system reflects China's rapid urbanization and the reliance on technology in daily life, making public transport more efficient and accessible. It's a significant part of the commuting culture in major cities.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce the tones, saying 'yika tong' instead of 'yì kǎ tōng'. Additionally, some may think it works outside of public transport contexts, which is not always the case.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 一卡通

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Component Characters

one
HSK 11 strokes
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to block
HSK 35 strokes
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tōngto go through
HSK 410 strokes
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Write 一卡通

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Cultural Notes for 一卡通

🏮Cultural insight

The 一卡通 system reflects China's rapid urbanization and the reliance on technology in daily life, making public transport more efficient and accessible. It's a significant part of the commuting culture in major cities.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western countries, transportation systems may use similar contactless payment methods, but often there are more varied options for payment, such as mobile apps, which are less common in China.

Frequently Asked Questions about 一卡通

Yes, in some cases, 一卡通 can also be used at convenience stores and vending machines.