Meanings of 不通
By ear
Play it, then pick what 不通 means.
About 不通
Podcast: 不通
Podcast: 不通
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 不通
不畅 (bùchàng): use 不通 when referring specifically to obstructions or blocks, while 不畅 emphasizes a lack of smoothness or fluency.
Be careful not to confuse 不通 with similar terms that imply partial obstruction, as 不通 suggests a complete blockage. This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in news reports or discussions about infrastructure. The tone is important; using a flat tone can make it sound less urgent.
While 不通 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects to other basic vocabulary related to movement and communication, such as 通 (tōng) which means 'to pass through'. Focus on recognizing 不通 in context, particularly in news articles discussing transportation or communication issues.
Learners often misuse 不通 when they mean 'not connected' in a less severe context. For example, saying '我的手机不通' (Wǒ de shǒujī bùtōng) might imply the phone is completely unusable, while it may just be out of service temporarily. Instead, use '没信号' (méi xìnhào) for 'no signal'.
Pronunciation of 不通
Drill the tone of 不通 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 不通 to You
Let me explain 不通 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 不通 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 不通?
Learning Lab
Knowing 不通 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say to be obstructed in Chinese
“to be obstructed” in Chinese is不通
不通 (bùtōng) refers to a state of being obstructed or blocked, whether literally, such as in the case of traffic or pathways, or metaphorically, as in communication or logic. It conveys a sense of something being impassable or not making sense, often used in contexts where clarity or accessibility is hindered.
When to use 不通
Be careful not to confuse 不通 with similar terms that imply partial obstruction, as 不通 suggests a complete blockage. This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in news reports or discussions about infrastructure. The tone is important; using a flat tone can make it sound less urgent.
不通 or something close to it
不畅 (bùchàng): use 不通 when referring specifically to obstructions or blocks, while 不畅 emphasizes a lack of smoothness or fluency.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 不通 when they mean 'not connected' in a less severe context. For example, saying '我的手机不通' (Wǒ de shǒujī bùtōng) might imply the phone is completely unusable, while it may just be out of service temporarily. Instead, use '没信号' (méi xìnhào) for 'no signal'.
Write 不通
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 不通 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 不通?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 不通
Yes, you can use 不通 to describe communication issues in a relationship, indicating a lack of understanding or connection.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 不通?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.