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March 24, 2026
统(統)tǒng(tong3)
The character 统 (tǒng) primarily means 'to gather' or 'to unite.' It is commonly used in contexts involving governance and organization, suggesting a sense of bringing things together under a single system or authority. This character often implies a holistic approach to management or unity among different parts.
Strokes9Radical纟Frequency#17575DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of unification under a central authority has been significant, exemplified by various dynasties that sought to unify the vast territories of China. The character 统 reflects this enduring cultural value of unity and governance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'ton' of items being gathered into a single container, symbolizing unification. The character 统 resembles a roof (宀) over a unified base (统), suggesting that all elements are brought together under one shelter.
Meanings of 统
tǒng(tong3)
1to gather
2to unite
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 统
统Simplified
統Traditional
9Strokes
纟Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#17575Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 统
Podcast: 统
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AI Study Notes for 统
Quick Contrast
统一 (tǒngyī) vs 整合 (zhěnghé) — use 统 (tǒng) for a broader sense of unification under a system, while 整合 (zhěnghé) emphasizes the integration of separate elements.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'ton' of items being gathered into a single container, symbolizing unification. The character 统 resembles a roof (宀) over a unified base (统), suggesting that all elements are brought together under one shelter.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 统 is typically used in more formal contexts, particularly in discussions about governance or organization. Common collocations include 统一 (tǒngyī, to unify) and 统治 (tǒngzhì, to rule). A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words that imply division or separation.
HSK Study Tips
While 统 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with words like 统一 (tǒngyī) and 统治 (tǒngzhì), which students should focus on to understand its applications. Students should practice using it in sentences related to governance and organization.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, the concept of unification under a central authority has been significant, exemplified by various dynasties that sought to unify the vast territories of China. The character 统 reflects this enduring cultural value of unity and governance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 统 with similar characters like 分 (fēn, to divide). For example, saying '我们要分一体' (We need to divide into one body) is incorrect; the correct phrase should be '我们要统一一体' (We need to unify into one body).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 统
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Grammar Patterns of 统
统 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 5 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.
Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Jasmine are best-selling traditional teas.
6
总的来说，下层民众被认为是传统的保持者。
zǒng de lái shuō， ， xià céng mín zhòng bèi rèn wéi shì chuán tǒng de bǎo chí。
Generally, the lower classes are considered to be the bearers of tradition.
7
刚出首都，总统无人护卫的汽车就遭到了伏击。
gāng chū shǒu dū， ， zǒng tǒng wú rén hù wèi de qì chē jiù zāo dào le fú。
The President's unescorted vehicle was ambushed just outside the capital.
8
总统谈及了敌人的奸诈用心。
zǒng tǒng tán jí le dí rén de jiān zhà yòng xīn。
The President spoke of the treacherous intentions of the enemy.
9
这是通过中枢神经系统的调节作用实现的。
zhè shì tōng guò zhōng shū shén jīng xì tǒng de tiáo jié zuò yòng shí xiàn de。
This works through the mediation of the central nervous system.
10
这使他倾向以批判眼光看待我们的传统。
zhè shǐ tā qīng xiàng yǐ pī pàn yǎn guāng kàn dài wǒ mén de chuán tǒng。
This has given him a disposition to consider our traditions critically.
Cultural Notes for 统
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, the concept of unification under a central authority has been significant, exemplified by various dynasties that sought to unify the vast territories of China. The character 统 reflects this enduring cultural value of unity and governance.
Word Family of 统
Words Containing This Character20
系统xìtǒngsystem系統
总统zǒngtǒngpresident (of a country)總統
传统chuántǒngtradition傳統
统一tǒngyīto unify統一
统计tǒngjìstatistics統計
统治tǒngzhìrule統治
血统lineage血統
统统tǒngtǒngtotally統統
统tǒngto gather統
统筹tǒngchóuan overall plan統籌
操作系统operating system操作系統
统计学statistics統計學
统治者ruler統治者
统领to lead統領
信息系统information system信息系統
统帅command統帥
神经系统nervous system神經系統
统一战线united front統一戰線
总统府presidential palace總統府
统战consolidation統戰
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 系统 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 统
Common phrases with 统 include 统一 (tǒngyī), meaning to unify or standardize, and 统治 (tǒngzhì), which means to rule or govern. These phrases highlight the versatility of 统 in expressing concepts of control and cohesion.
While both 统 (tǒng) and 合 (hé) can convey ideas of gathering, 统 emphasizes unification and organization, whereas 合 often means to combine or fit together. Understanding the subtle differences helps in using these characters correctly in context.
统 (tǒng) means to gather, unite, or unify. It can refer to the idea of bringing things together as a whole. This character is often used in contexts related to organization or integration.
You can use 统 (tǒng) in sentences to express the action of unifying or gathering. For example, '我们需要统筹这些资源' (wǒmen xūyào tǒngchóu zhèxiē zīyuán) translates to 'We need to coordinate these resources.' This shows how the character can be applied in practical contexts.
You might say: '政府需要统一政策' (The government needs to unify policies).
Related words include 统一 (tǒngyī, to unify) and 统治 (tǒngzhì, to rule).
It is generally more formal and may not be commonly used in casual conversations.
