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通信 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
通信tōngxìnto correspond (by letter etc)HSK 6, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #5547, Hard
通信tōngxìnto communicateHSK 6, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #5547, Hard
通信tōngxìncommunicationHSK 6, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #5547, Hard
tōngxìn(tong1xin4)tong xin T1
  1. 1to correspond (by letter etc)
  2. 2to communicate
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March 24, 2026

通信tōngxìn(tong1xin4)

The term '通信' (tōngxìn) refers to the process of communicating or corresponding through various means, such as letters, emails, or other forms of messaging. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, ranging from personal communication to technical discussions about data transmission.

Strokes19Frequency#5547DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, communication often emphasizes respect and indirectness, and '通信' can also refer to the formal exchange of letters in business or governmental contexts, reflecting the importance of written communication in maintaining relationships.

Memory Tip

Think of '通' (tōng) as a tunnel connecting two points and '信' (xìn) as a message traveling through that tunnel. Together, they represent the flow of information between people, similar to how a message travels through a communication line.

Meanings of 通信

tōngxìn(tong1xin4)
1to correspond (by letter etc)
2to communicate
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About 通信

通信Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

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AI Study Notes for 通信

Quick Contrast

通信 (tōngxìn) vs 交流 (jiāoliú): use 通信 when referring specifically to communication through established channels, while 交流 emphasizes the exchange of ideas or interaction.

Usage Notes

Be careful to use '通信' in contexts that specifically involve communication and correspondence; it is not interchangeable with '交流' (jiāoliú), which emphasizes interaction. Also, remember the tone: '通' is first tone and '信' is fourth tone, which can be tricky for learners.

HSK Study Tips

While '通信' may not be included in the HSK lists, it connects well with vocabulary related to communication. Students at this level should focus on recognizing compound words and understanding their meanings in context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '通信' with '交流' (jiāoliú), thinking they are synonymous. Remember, '通信' is for correspondence, while '交流' is for interactive exchange. An incorrect example might be saying '我和朋友通信' when referring to chatting; instead, it should be '我和朋友交流'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 通信

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Component Characters

通tōngto go through
HSK 410 strokes辶
View full entry
信xìnletter
HSK 39 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say to correspond (by letter etc) in Chinese

“to correspond (by letter etc)” in Chinese is通信tōngxìn

The term '通信' (tōngxìn) refers to the process of communicating or corresponding through various means, such as letters, emails, or other forms of messaging. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, ranging from personal communication to technical discussions about data transmission.

When to use 通信

Be careful to use '通信' in contexts that specifically involve communication and correspondence; it is not interchangeable with '交流' (jiāoliú), which emphasizes interaction. Also, remember the tone: '通' is first tone and '信' is fourth tone, which can be tricky for learners.

通信 or something close to it

通信 (tōngxìn) vs 交流 (jiāoliú): use 通信 when referring specifically to communication through established channels, while 交流 emphasizes the exchange of ideas or interaction.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '通信' with '交流' (jiāoliú), thinking they are synonymous. Remember, '通信' is for correspondence, while '交流' is for interactive exchange. An incorrect example might be saying '我和朋友通信' when referring to chatting; instead, it should be '我和朋友交流'.

Write 通信

通
信

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Frequently Asked Questions about 通信

'通信' specifically refers to communication or correspondence, often in written form, while '交流' refers more broadly to the exchange of ideas, thoughts, or feelings.

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