Meanings of 通
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 通
Podcast: 通
Podcast: 通
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 通
沟通 (gōutōng) vs 交流 (jiāoliú) — use 通 (tōng) for general connection, while 沟通 emphasizes the process of communication and 交流 focuses on the exchange of ideas.
Imagine a train (represented by the radical 通) that travels through a tunnel, connecting two ends. This visualization helps associate 通 with 'going through' or 'connecting.' The sound 'tōng' can be remembered by thinking of the phrase 'Tongue that communicates well' to reinforce the meaning of communication.
通 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but learners should be cautious with its tonal pronunciation, as it is a first tone (tōng). Common collocations include 通知 (tōng zhī, 'to notify') and 通话 (tōng huà, 'to communicate via phone').
Although 通 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, students should note its connections to other words regarding communication and connection, such as 说 (shuō, 'to speak') and 连接 (lián jiē, 'to connect'). Focus on mastering its uses in phrases to enhance conversational skills.
In Chinese culture, the concept of communication is highly valued, especially in maintaining relationships. The use of 通 in the context of notifying others or keeping open lines of communication reflects the communal nature of Chinese society.
Learners often confuse 通 with similar-sounding words like 同 (tóng, 'same'). For example, using '同' instead of '通' in phrases related to communication is incorrect; remember that 通 specifically relates to connection and communication.
Pronunciation of 通
Drill the tone of 通 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 通
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 甬 represents the sound.
walk
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 通?
Decomposition of 通
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 通?
Write 通
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 通 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 通
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 10 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
只要你____过这次考试，我就送你一件礼物。
As long as you pass this exam, I will give you a gift.
Common Confusions with 通
Phonetically similar but has a different meaning
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to go through"?
Example Sentences for 通 (10)
Cultural Notes for 通
'通' is often used in phrases related to communication and connection, such as '通话' (to make a phone call) and '通信' (communication).
In Chinese culture, the concept of communication is highly valued, especially in maintaining relationships. The use of 通 in the context of notifying others or keeping open lines of communication reflects the communal nature of Chinese society.
In Western cultures, communication is often more direct and individualistic, while in Chinese culture, it emphasizes harmony and relationship-building, which is reflected in the use of 通.
Word Family of 通
Compound Meaning
What does 嗵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 通
Common phrases with 通 include '通话' (tōnghuà), meaning 'to communicate' or 'to talk on the phone', and '通行无阻' (tōngxíngwúzǔ), meaning 'to pass without obstruction'. These phrases highlight its use in communication and connectivity.