通 (tōng) - To pass through & to connect

通Tone 1

tōng ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

婷婉

通 · tōng

To pass through;

to connect;

to communicate;

to understand thoroughly;

to be open;

to be logical.

To pass throughto connectto communicate

Usage highlights

TrafficNotifyThoroughly understandPass throughCommunicateBe logical

Synonyms

  • 达— to reach; to attain
  • 贯— to penetrate; to pass through
  • 畅— smooth; unimpeded

Antonyms

  • 堵— to block; to obstruct
  • 塞— to clog; to stop up
  • 阻— to hinder; to prevent

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The road leads to Beijing (通往北京).
  • I understand this principle (我通晓这个原理).
  • Please notify him immediately (请立即通知他).
  • This train goes directly to Shanghai (这列火车直通上海).

Collocations

  • Traffic(交通)
  • Notify(通知)
  • Thoroughly understand(通晓)
  • Pass through(通过)
  • Communicate(沟通)
  • Be logical(通顺)

Idioms

  • Be well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge(博古通今)
  • Be well-informed about everything(神通广大)
  • Be thoroughly familiar with something(融会贯通)
  • Have a clear understanding(豁然贯通)
  • Be open in all directions(四通八达)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, '通' represents the ideal state of unobstructed flow and connection.
  • The character embodies the concept of thorough understanding and comprehensive knowledge.
  • Historically used to describe important transportation routes and communication channels.

FAQ