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March 24, 2026
沟通(溝通)gōutōng(gou1tong1)
沟通 (gōutōng) refers to the act of communicating or connecting ideas, people, or information. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe interactions where understanding or exchange occurs, such as in discussions, meetings, or personal conversations.
Strokes17Frequency#4227DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, effective communication is highly valued, especially in business and social settings. The concept of 沟通 emphasizes harmony and understanding, reflecting the importance of maintaining good relationships in personal and professional spheres.
Memory Tip
Imagine a river (沟) flowing through a valley, connecting different lands (通). The river symbolizes the flow of communication, while the valley represents the people or ideas being linked. The sound 'gou' can remind you of 'go,' as in 'go and communicate,' making it easier to remember.
Meanings of 沟通
gōutōng(gou1tong1)
1to join
2to connect
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About 沟通
沟通Simplified
溝通Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4227Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 沟通
Podcast: 沟通
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AI Study Notes for 沟通
Quick Contrast
交流 (jiāoliú) — use 沟通 when emphasizing the connection or understanding between parties, while 交流 focuses more on the act of exchanging information.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 沟通 in overly formal contexts where simpler words like 说 (to speak) or 聊 (to chat) may be more appropriate. Avoid mixing it with words that imply a one-sided action, as 沟通 implies a two-way exchange. Be mindful of tone; the first tone (gōu) should be pronounced high and level, while the second tone (tōng) should be pronounced with a rising pitch.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 沟通 connects well with other vocabulary related to communication and relationships, such as 交流 (exchange) and 联系 (contact). Students should focus on using it in both written and spoken contexts to enhance their conversational skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 沟通 with related words like 联系 (to contact) and 说 (to say). For example, saying '我联系他' (I communicate with him) instead of '我沟通他' is more appropriate. Make sure to use the right context for each term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 沟通
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沟通 (gōutōng) refers to the act of communicating or connecting ideas, people, or information. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe interactions where understanding or exchange occurs, such as in discussions, meetings, or personal conversations.
When to use 沟通
Common mistakes include using 沟通 in overly formal contexts where simpler words like 说 (to speak) or 聊 (to chat) may be more appropriate. Avoid mixing it with words that imply a one-sided action, as 沟通 implies a two-way exchange. Be mindful of tone; the first tone (gōu) should be pronounced high and level, while the second tone (tōng) should be pronounced with a rising pitch.
沟通 or something close to it
交流 (jiāoliú) — use 沟通 when emphasizing the connection or understanding between parties, while 交流 focuses more on the act of exchanging information.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 沟通 with related words like 联系 (to contact) and 说 (to say). For example, saying '我联系他' (I communicate with him) instead of '我沟通他' is more appropriate. Make sure to use the right context for each term.
Write 沟通
沟
通
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Grammar Patterns of 沟通
沟通 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 4 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.
