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March 24, 2026
隧suì(sui4)
The character 隧 (suì) refers to a tunnel or an underground passage, commonly used in transportation contexts such as subways or road tunnels. It can also denote a passage leading to a tomb, highlighting its connection to both modern infrastructure and historical practices.
Strokes14Radical阝Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In China, the construction of tunnels is significant for urban development and is a symbol of modern engineering. Historical tomb passages, often connected to the idea of 隧, reflect the importance of burial practices in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a dark tunnel where the sound of a train echoes, resembling the pronunciation 'suì'. The left part of the character, 隹, can remind you of a bird, suggesting something that can swiftly move through a passage, while the right part, itself a structure, reinforces the idea of a tunnel.
Meanings of 隧
suì(sui4)
1tunnel
2underground passage
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 隧
隧Simplified
14Strokes
阝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 隧
Podcast: 隧
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AI Study Notes for 隧
Quick Contrast
隧 (tunnel) vs 通道 (passage) — use 隧 specifically for underground tunnels, while 通道 is more general and can refer to any passageway.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a dark tunnel where the sound of a train echoes, resembling the pronunciation 'suì'. The left part of the character, 隹, can remind you of a bird, suggesting something that can swiftly move through a passage, while the right part, itself a structure, reinforces the idea of a tunnel.
Usage Notes
In everyday conversation, 隧 is often used in contexts related to transportation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 祟 (suì), which has a different meaning. This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
HSK Study Tips
While 隧 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to words related to travel and infrastructure, such as 路 (lù, road) and 铁路 (tiělù, railway). Students should focus on recognizing its components and understanding its usage in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In China, the construction of tunnels is significant for urban development and is a symbol of modern engineering. Historical tomb passages, often connected to the idea of 隧, reflect the importance of burial practices in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 隧 with 随 (suí), which means 'follow'. A common mistake is to say 随道 instead of 隧道 when referring to a tunnel. Always remember to use 隧 for tunnels specifically.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 隧
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Grammar Patterns of 隧
隧 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
Rescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing.
8
隧道顶部塌了下来.
suì dào dǐng bù tā le xià lái.
The roof of the tunnel fell in.
Cultural Notes for 隧
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the construction of tunnels is significant for urban development and is a symbol of modern engineering. Historical tomb passages, often connected to the idea of 隧, reflect the importance of burial practices in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 隧
Words Containing This Character3
隧道suìdàotunnel
隧洞tunnel
隧suìtunnel
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 隧道 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 隧
It is pronounced as 'suì', with a falling tone.
Yes, 隧 is appropriate for both written and spoken contexts, especially when discussing infrastructure.
Yes, one example is 隧道 (suìdào), which means 'tunnel'.
