Meanings of 通俗
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About 通俗
Podcast: 通俗
Podcast: 通俗
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AI Study Notes for 通俗
通俗 (tōngsú) vs 普通 (pǔtōng) — use 通俗 when emphasizing accessibility and popularity, while 普通 refers more generally to something that is ordinary or common without the nuance of being popular or easily understood.
'通俗' is typically used in informal contexts, especially when discussing literature, language, or art that is intended for a broad audience. Common mistakes include using it in overly formal situations or confusing it with '复杂' (zhuàng) which means complex.
As an HSK 6 word, '通俗' connects to other advanced vocabulary related to communication and culture. Students should focus on using it in phrases and sentences that discuss accessibility and relatability in various contexts.
Learners often confuse '通俗' with '复杂', mistakenly using it to describe complicated ideas. For example, saying '这本书很通俗' (This book is very common) when they mean 'This book is very complicated' would be incorrect; the correct usage would be '这本书很复杂'.
Pronunciation of 通俗
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Jason Explains 通俗 to You
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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.
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Component Characters
How to say common in Chinese
“common” in Chinese is通俗
The term '通俗' (tōngsú) refers to something that is common, popular, or easily understood by the general public. It is often used in contexts where language, ideas, or culture are accessible to the average person, as opposed to being specialized or scholarly.
When to use 通俗
'通俗' is typically used in informal contexts, especially when discussing literature, language, or art that is intended for a broad audience. Common mistakes include using it in overly formal situations or confusing it with '复杂' (zhuàng) which means complex.
通俗 or something close to it
通俗 (tōngsú) vs 普通 (pǔtōng) — use 通俗 when emphasizing accessibility and popularity, while 普通 refers more generally to something that is ordinary or common without the nuance of being popular or easily understood.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '通俗' with '复杂', mistakenly using it to describe complicated ideas. For example, saying '这本书很通俗' (This book is very common) when they mean 'This book is very complicated' would be incorrect; the correct usage would be '这本书很复杂'.
Write 通俗
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Practice writing 通俗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 通俗
通俗 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.
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这篇课文把相当复杂的主题讲述得深入浅出、____易懂。
The text is approachable, coping well with quite complicated subjects.
Example Sentences for 通俗 (8)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 通俗
Generally no, as '通俗' emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, while academic texts are often complex and specialized.
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