Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "connecting" or "communicating" with 通 (tōng)

    Connecting Ideas

    Structure

    Subject + 通 + Object

    Explanation

    通 (tōng) is a verb meaning "to connect," "to communicate," or "to pass through." It is widely used in compound words related to communication and connection, such as 交通 (transportation), 通信 (communication), and 通知 (to notify).

    Examples

    • 这条路可以通到火车站吗？

      Zhè tiáo lù kěyǐ tōng dào huǒchēzhàn ma?

      Can this road lead to the train station?

    • 我们的电话终于通了，信号恢复了。

      Wǒmen de diànhuà zhōngyú tōng le, xìnhào huīfù le.

      Our phone finally got through; the signal is back.

    • 这两个房间是通的，中间有一扇门。

      Zhè liǎng gè fángjiān shì tōng de, zhōngjiān yǒu yī shàn mén.

      These two rooms are connected, with a door in between.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing "connecting" or "communicating" with 通 (tōng) | Chinese Grammar