Meanings of 通
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About 通
Podcast: 通
Podcast: 通
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AI Study Notes for 通
沟通 (gōutōng) vs 交流 (jiāoliú) — use 通 (tōng) for general connection, while 沟通 emphasizes the process of communication and 交流 focuses on the exchange of ideas.
通 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but learners should be cautious with its tonal pronunciation, as it is a first tone (tōng). Common collocations include 通知 (tōng zhī, 'to notify') and 通话 (tōng huà, 'to communicate via phone').
Although 通 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, students should note its connections to other words regarding communication and connection, such as 说 (shuō, 'to speak') and 连接 (lián jiē, 'to connect'). Focus on mastering its uses in phrases to enhance conversational skills.
Learners often confuse 通 with similar-sounding words like 同 (tóng, 'same'). For example, using '同' instead of '通' in phrases related to communication is incorrect; remember that 通 specifically relates to connection and communication.
Pronunciation of 通
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Etymology of 通
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 甬 represents the sound.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 通
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 甬 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half辶 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half甬 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywalk
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 通? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 通?
Decomposition of 通
Identify the Components
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How to say to go through in Chinese
“to go through” in Chinese is通
The character 通 (tōng) primarily means 'to go through' or 'to connect.' It is commonly used in contexts involving communication, such as talking or sending messages, as well as in expressions indicating expertise or familiarity with a subject. The character can also serve as a classifier for various forms of communication like letters and phone calls.
When to use 通
通 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but learners should be cautious with its tonal pronunciation, as it is a first tone (tōng). Common collocations include 通知 (tōng zhī, 'to notify') and 通话 (tōng huà, 'to communicate via phone').
通 or something close to it
沟通 (gōutōng) vs 交流 (jiāoliú) — use 通 (tōng) for general connection, while 沟通 emphasizes the process of communication and 交流 focuses on the exchange of ideas.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 通 with similar-sounding words like 同 (tóng, 'same'). For example, using '同' instead of '通' in phrases related to communication is incorrect; remember that 通 specifically relates to connection and communication.
Write 通
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Practice writing 通 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 通
通 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 10 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.
Complete the Sentence
只要你____过这次考试，我就送你一件礼物。
As long as you pass this exam, I will give you a gift.
Common Confusions with 通
Phonetically similar but has a different meaning
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to go through"?
Example Sentences for 通 (13)
Cultural Notes for 通
'通' is often used in phrases related to communication and connection, such as '通话' (to make a phone call) and '通信' (communication).
In Western cultures, communication is often more direct and individualistic, while in Chinese culture, it emphasizes harmony and relationship-building, which is reflected in the use of 通.
Word Family of 通
Compound Meaning
What does 嗵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 通
Common phrases with 通 include '通话' (tōnghuà), meaning 'to communicate' or 'to talk on the phone', and '通行无阻' (tōngxíngwúzǔ), meaning 'to pass without obstruction'. These phrases highlight its use in communication and connectivity.
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