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同步 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
同步tóngbùsynchronousHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #8350, Very Hard
同步tóngbùto synchronizeHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #8350, Very Hard
同步tóngbùto keep step withHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #8350, Very Hard
tóngbù(tong2bu4)tong bu T2
  1. 1synchronous
  2. 2to synchronize
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March 24, 2026

同步tóngbù(tong2bu4)

同步 (tóng bù) refers to the concept of synchronization, meaning that two or more processes or events occur at the same time or in harmony. It is commonly used in technology, such as syncing data between devices, as well as in everyday contexts like coordinating schedules or actions with others.

Strokes13Frequency#8350DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In the context of Chinese technology, '同步' is frequently used to describe the synchronization of mobile apps and devices, reflecting the rapid advancement of technology in daily life. The emphasis on harmony and coordination resonates with traditional Chinese values.

Memory tip

Think of '同步' as '同' (tóng) meaning 'same' and '步' (bù) meaning 'step'. Imagine a group of people taking the same step together at the same time, symbolizing synchronization. The '同' character looks like two people standing side by side, reinforcing the idea of being together.

Meanings of 同步

tóngbù(tong2bu4)
1synchronous
2to synchronize
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About 同步

同步Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 同步

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AI study notes for 同步

Quick Contrast

对齐 (duìqí) - use 同步 when referring to processes happening at the same time, while 对齐 emphasizes alignment or matching of positions.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse '同步' with similar terms like '协调' (xié tiáo), which means coordination but doesn't imply the same timing. This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in tech discussions. Remember that '同步' is a two-syllable word, and be mindful of the tones when pronouncing it.

HSK Study Tips

While '同步' is not an official HSK vocabulary word, it can be beneficial for HSK 4 and above learners, especially those interested in technology or teamwork. Focus on using it in sentences about coordinating activities or technology to reinforce its meaning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use '同步' incorrectly by applying it to situations that do not involve timing, such as saying '同步' when they mean '一致' (yī zhì, meaning consistent or in agreement). Correct usage would be to say '他们的想法不一致' (Their ideas are not in sync) instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 同步

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Component characters

同tóng(used in given names)
HSK 56 strokes口
View full entry
步bùa step
HSK 47 strokes止
View full entry

How to say synchronous in Chinese

“synchronous” in Chinese is同步tóngbù

同步 (tóng bù) refers to the concept of synchronization, meaning that two or more processes or events occur at the same time or in harmony. It is commonly used in technology, such as syncing data between devices, as well as in everyday contexts like coordinating schedules or actions with others.

When to use 同步

Be careful not to confuse '同步' with similar terms like '协调' (xié tiáo), which means coordination but doesn't imply the same timing. This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in tech discussions. Remember that '同步' is a two-syllable word, and be mindful of the tones when pronouncing it.

同步 or something close to it

对齐 (duìqí) - use 同步 when referring to processes happening at the same time, while 对齐 emphasizes alignment or matching of positions.

What learners get wrong

Learners often use '同步' incorrectly by applying it to situations that do not involve timing, such as saying '同步' when they mean '一致' (yī zhì, meaning consistent or in agreement). Correct usage would be to say '他们的想法不一致' (Their ideas are not in sync) instead.

Write 同步

同
步

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Frequently asked questions about 同步

'我们需要同步我们的日程安排。' (We need to synchronize our schedules.)

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