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March 24, 2026
疏通()shūtōng(shu1tong1)
The term 疏通 (shū tǒng) refers to the action of unblocking or clearing something that is obstructed, allowing for smooth flow or communication. It is commonly used in contexts such as discussing transportation (like traffic), communication networks, or even interpersonal relationships where mediation and facilitation are needed.
Frequency#23165DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of facilitating communication and relationships is vital, often seen in business and personal interactions. The idea of 疏通 is embedded in the practice of guanxi (关系), which emphasizes the importance of connections and relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'shoo' (shū) of air blowing through a 'tongue' (tǒng) that has been blocked. Picture a congested road suddenly clearing, allowing a smooth flow of traffic, just as your thoughts become clear when communication is facilitated.
Meanings of 疏通
shūtōng(shu1tong1)
1to unblock
2to dredge
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About 疏通
疏通Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 疏通
Podcast: 疏通
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AI Study Notes for 疏通
Quick Contrast
疏导 (shū dǎo) - use 疏通 when emphasizing the act of unblocking or clearing, while 疏导 focuses more on guiding or directing the flow.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'shoo' (shū) of air blowing through a 'tongue' (tǒng) that has been blocked. Picture a congested road suddenly clearing, allowing a smooth flow of traffic, just as your thoughts become clear when communication is facilitated.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 疏通 with similar terms like 通 (tōng), which means 'to pass through' but does not imply unblocking. This term is more formal and is commonly used in professional or bureaucratic contexts. A common collocation is 疏通关系 (shū tǒng guān xì), meaning 'to facilitate relationships.'
HSK Study Tips
While 疏通 is not found in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is a useful word for learners at intermediate levels (HSK 3-4) to understand complex concepts about communication and relationships. Focus on its components: 疏 (shū) means 'to remove' and 通 (tǒng) means 'to connect' or 'to pass through.'
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of facilitating communication and relationships is vital, often seen in business and personal interactions. The idea of 疏通 is embedded in the practice of guanxi (关系), which emphasizes the importance of connections and relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 疏通 with similar-sounding terms like 辩通 (biàn tōng), which is incorrect. The correct usage should be in contexts involving unblocking or facilitating, such as '疏通思路' (shū tǒng sī lù) for 'clarifying thought processes.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 疏通
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Cultural Notes for 疏通
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of facilitating communication and relationships is vital, often seen in business and personal interactions. The idea of 疏通 is embedded in the practice of guanxi (关系), which emphasizes the importance of connections and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 疏通
You can say '我们需要疏通这个问题' (Wǒmen xūyào shūtōng zhège wèntí), meaning 'We need to clear up this issue.'
While it is more common in formal or professional settings, it can also be used informally when discussing issues like traffic or communication in daily life.
Synonyms include 清理 (qīng lǐ), meaning 'to clear up,' and 解决 (jiě jué), meaning 'to resolve,' but they may have different nuances.
