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B2 adjective 9 min de lectura

通俗

tongsu

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 通俗 en 30 segundos

Explicación 通俗 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of '通俗' (tōngsú) as meaning 'easy' or 'simple' for books and stories. Imagine a book with many pictures and very few hard words. That is a 'tongsu' book. You might not use this word yourself yet, but you might see it on a book cover for children or beginners. It tells you: 'Don't worry, this is not too hard to read.' When you see '通俗' (tōngsú), just think: 'I can understand this.' It is like the difference between a difficult textbook and a fun storybook for kids. The storybook is 'tongsu.' It uses words that everyone knows. Even if you only know a few Chinese words, you can remember that 'tongsu' means the language is friendly to you.

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At the A2 level, you can start to use '通俗' (tōngsú) to describe things you like to read or listen to. If a teacher explains a grammar point and you understand it immediately, you can say the teacher's explanation was 'tongsu.' It means 'popular' in the sense that it is for everyone, not just for experts. You will often see it in the phrase '通俗读物' (tōngsú dúwù), which means 'popular reading material.' These are books about history, science, or life that are written for regular people, not for scientists. It is a very useful word when you want to ask for something that isn't too academic or full of 'big words.' Just remember: Tong (connect) + Su (common people) = something that connects to the common people.

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By B1, you should recognize '通俗' (tōngsú) as a key adjective for describing communication style. It is often used to praise someone who can take a difficult topic and make it accessible. For example, if you are watching a TV show about Chinese history and the host uses everyday language instead of ancient poems, that host is being 'tongsu.' A common idiom you should learn now is '通俗易懂' (tōngsú yì dǒng), which means 'popular and easy to understand.' You can use this in your writing to describe a good article or a helpful speech. It shows you understand that 'popular' in Chinese can mean 'accessible to the masses' rather than just 'trendy.'

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At the B2 level, '通俗' (tōngsú) becomes a tool for discussing social and cultural trends. You will use it to distinguish between different registers of language and art. For instance, you might discuss the difference between '通俗文学' (popular literature like Wuxia novels) and '严肃文学' (serious/high-brow literature). You should also be able to use the verb form '通俗化' (tōngsúhuà), which means 'to popularize' or 'to make accessible.' This is a common topic in exams: 'How can we make traditional culture more accessible (通俗化) to young people?' You must also be careful not to confuse '通俗' with '庸俗' (yōngsú), which means vulgar or tacky. '通俗' is a positive or neutral quality of clarity; '庸俗' is a negative quality of low taste.

At the C1 level, you will encounter '通俗' (tōngsú) in academic and professional critiques. It is used to analyze the 'democratization' of knowledge. You might read essays about the '通俗化' of philosophy or the role of '通俗' media in shaping public opinion. In this context, '通俗' is often part of a dialectical discussion about 'Ya' (雅 - refined) versus 'Su' (俗 - popular). A C1 student should understand that '通俗' isn't just about 'simple words' but about a rhetorical strategy that bridges the gap between different social strata. You might use it to describe a politician's ability to communicate complex policies to the electorate or a scientist's contribution to public literacy.

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For C2 learners, '通俗' (tōngsú) is a nuanced concept within sociolinguistics and cultural studies. You will examine how the definition of 'tongsu' has shifted from the 'vulgar' vernacular of the past to the 'accessible' media of today. You can discuss the 'tongsu' tradition in Chinese history, such as the 'Bianwen' of the Tang dynasty or the vernacular novels of the Ming and Qing, and how these forms challenged the hegemony of classical Chinese. You should be able to use the word in complex sentences to describe the tension between maintaining academic rigor and achieving social impact. At this level, you understand that '通俗' is not just a stylistic choice but a powerful tool for social mobilization and the dissemination of ideology.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

通俗 en 30 segundos

通俗 (tōngsú) means 'popular' or 'accessible,' describing things that are easy for the general public to understand without specialized knowledge or training.
It is commonly used for books, music, and explanations, emphasizing clarity and broad appeal rather than current trends or fashionability.
The most frequent collocation is '通俗易懂' (tōngsú yì dǒng), a high compliment for any clear and effective piece of communication.
Be careful not to confuse it with '庸俗' (yōngsú), which means vulgar or tacky, as '通俗' is generally a neutral or positive term.

The term 通俗 (tōngsú) is a cornerstone of Chinese linguistic accessibility, acting as a bridge between the high-brow, academic, or esoteric and the everyday understanding of the general public. At its core, it describes something that is popular, common, and easily understood by people without specialized training. The word is composed of two characters: 通 (tōng), meaning to go through, connect, or communicate, and 俗 (sú), which refers to customs, the common people, or sometimes the mundane. Together, they create a concept that implies a message or a piece of work has been 'channeled' to the 'common folk' in a way that is clear and relatable.

Semantic Nuance: Unlike the English word 'vulgar,' which shares an etymological root with 'common' but often carries a negative connotation of being crude or distasteful, 通俗 is predominantly positive or neutral. It suggests clarity and democratization of knowledge rather than a lack of quality.
Educational Context: In the realm of science and technology, you will frequently encounter the term in 科普 (kēpǔ), or science popularization. A scientist who can explain quantum physics in 通俗 language is highly valued in Chinese society.

这篇文章用通俗的语言解释了复杂的经济理论。(This article explained complex economic theories using easy-to-understand language.)

Historically, the concept of 通俗 was vital in the development of Chinese literature. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, 'Tongsu Xiaoshuo' (popular fiction) written in the vernacular (baihua) allowed stories to reach the masses, contrasting with the 'Wenyanwen' (classical Chinese) accessible only to the literati. This distinction remains today; 通俗 is the antidote to 'obscurity' (晦涩 huìsè) and 'pedantry' (迂腐 yūfǔ).

他的演讲风格非常通俗，深受大众欢迎。(His speaking style is very popular and accessible, making him very popular with the public.)

Domain Application: You will find this word in literary criticism, educational curriculum design, and marketing strategies. If a product's manual is not 通俗, it fails the customer.

我们要把这种高深的艺术变得更加通俗化。(We need to make this profound art more popularized/accessible.)

那本法律手册写得相当通俗，普通人也能看懂。(That law manual is written quite popularly; even ordinary people can understand it.)

In summary, use 通俗 when you want to praise the clarity and broad appeal of a communication style, a piece of writing, or an artistic work. It signifies that the content is 'of the people' and 'for the people,' effectively breaking down barriers to understanding.

Mastering the use of 通俗 (tōngsú) requires understanding its grammatical versatility as an adjective and its frequent appearance in fixed collocations. It primarily modifies nouns related to communication—language, writing, explanation, and art. It can also function as a predicative adjective after '很' (hěn) or '非常' (fēicháng) to describe the quality of a work.

Attributive Usage (Modifying Nouns): When placed before a noun, it often uses the particle '的' (de). For example, 通俗的读物 (popular reading material) or 通俗的解释 (an easy-to-understand explanation).

这是一本专门为儿童写的通俗历史书。(This is a popular history book written specifically for children.)

One of the most common four-character phrases you will encounter is 通俗易懂 (tōngsú yì dǒng), which literally means 'popular and easy to understand.' This phrase is the gold standard for effective communication in Chinese. If you describe someone's writing as 通俗易懂, you are giving them a high compliment for their clarity.

他的说明非常通俗易懂。(His explanation is very popular and easy to understand.)

Adverbial Usage (Modifying Verbs): When modifying a verb, use the particle '地' (de). For instance, 通俗地讲解 (to explain in a popular/simple way). This is common in teaching or public speaking contexts.

老师通俗地向我们介绍了人工智能的原理。(The teacher explained the principles of AI to us in simple, popular terms.)

科普工作的核心就是将科学知识通俗化。(The core of science popularization work is to popularize scientific knowledge.)

Comparative Usage: In literary or artistic discussions, 通俗 is often contrasted with 高雅 (gāoyǎ - elegant/refined) or 深奥 (shēn'ào - profound/abstruse). It helps define the target audience of a work.

这部电影既不失高雅，又非常通俗。(This movie is both elegant and very popular/accessible.)

When using 通俗, remember that it implies a deliberate effort to be clear. It’s not just that the topic is simple; it’s that the *presentation* makes it simple for everyone. This makes it a vital word for discussing communication strategy and social education.

In contemporary China, 通俗 (tōngsú) is a word that rings through the halls of academia, the booths of book fairs, and the scripts of television hosts. It is not just a descriptive term; it is a strategic objective for many professionals.

Media and Television: On popular educational programs like 'Lecture Room' (百家讲坛), you will hear critics praising scholars for their 通俗 style. They might say, 'He turns dry history into something 通俗 and interesting.'

这位教授擅长用通俗幽默的方式讲历史。(This professor is good at telling history in a popular and humorous way.)

In the music industry, the term 通俗歌曲 (tōngsú gēqǔ) was the standard term for pop songs for decades. While the term '流行音乐' (liúxíng yīnyuè) is now more common for modern Western-style pop, 通俗 still carries a sense of 'songs for the masses' that are easy to sing along to, often heard in karaoke lounges (KTV).

这首歌旋律通俗，传唱度很高。(This song has a popular melody and is widely sung.)

Publishing and Libraries: Walk into any large Chinese bookstore like Xinhua Bookstore, and you will see sections labeled 通俗读物. These are books designed for general readers on topics ranging from health and finance to philosophy and law.

书店里有很多关于心理学的通俗读本。(There are many popular reading books about psychology in the bookstore.)

为了让客户理解，请尽量说得通俗一点。(To help the client understand, please try to speak a bit more popularly/simply.)

Social Media: On platforms like Zhihu (Chinese Quora), users often ask for 'tongsu' explanations of complex news events or scientific breakthroughs. A highly upvoted answer is almost always one that is 通俗易懂.

你能用通俗的话解释一下什么是区块链吗？(Can you explain what blockchain is in popular/simple words?)

Whether you are in a classroom, a concert hall, or a corporate boardroom, 通俗 is the keyword for effective mass communication and social inclusion in the Chinese-speaking world.

While 通俗 (tōngsú) is a relatively straightforward word, learners often confuse it with other terms that mean 'popular' or 'simple.' Understanding these subtle differences is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 流行 (liúxíng): Both can be translated as 'popular,' but they have different focuses. 流行 refers to something that is currently trendy or fashionable (like a '流行' hairstyle). 通俗 refers to something that is accessible and easy for the masses to understand (like a '通俗' explanation).

Incorrect: 这种通俗的发型很受欢迎。(This 'popular' hairstyle is very welcome.) - Use 流行 here.

A 'tongsu' song is one with a simple melody that anyone can sing; a 'liuxing' song is one that is currently at the top of the charts. They often overlap, but the emphasis is different.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 简单 (jiǎndān): 简单 means simple or uncomplicated. While a 通俗 explanation is often simple, 简单 can describe a task (a simple job) or a person's character. 通俗 specifically describes the *style* of communication or art.

Incorrect: 这个问题很通俗。(This problem is very 'popular'.) - If you mean the problem is not hard, use 简单.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 庸俗 (yōngsú): This is a critical error. 庸俗 means vulgar, tacky, or philistine. It is a strong negative term. 通俗 is neutral to positive. Using 庸俗 when you mean 通俗 can be very offensive.

Incorrect: 他的演讲很庸俗，大家都听懂了。(His speech was vulgar, everyone understood it.) - Use 通俗 if you mean accessible.

Mistake 4: Overusing it for 'Common': If you want to say something is 'common' as in 'frequently seen,' use 普遍 (pǔbiàn) or 常见 (chángjiàn). 通俗 is reserved for the *quality* of being understandable to the common people.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—focusing on the *accessibility of meaning* versus *trendiness*, *simplicity*, or *vulgarity*—you will use 通俗 with the precision of a native speaker.

To truly master the semantic field of 通俗 (tōngsú), it is helpful to look at its synonyms and how they differ in register and usage. Here is a comparison of common alternatives.

通俗 vs. 普及 (pǔjí): 通俗 describes the *style* (easy to understand). 普及 is a verb or adjective describing the *extent* of something (universalized, popularized). You 普及 knowledge by making it 通俗.
通俗 vs. 浅显 (qiǎnxiǎn): 浅显 literally means 'shallow and clear.' It is often used for language or principles that are very easy and don't require much thought. 通俗 implies a broader cultural reach, often used for works that are professional but made accessible.
通俗 vs. 平易 (píngyì): 平易 (often in the idiom 平易近人) describes a style or a person that is approachable and unassuming. While 通俗 is about being understood by the masses, 平易 is about the lack of pretension.

这篇文章写得非常浅显，连小孩子都能读懂。(This article is written very simply/plainly, even a child can read it.)

In more formal or academic writing, you might see 大众化 (dàzhònghuà). This literally means 'mass-oriented' or 'popularized.' It is often used when discussing social trends or marketing strategies where a product is designed for the 'average' person.

这种艺术形式正在走向大众化。(This art form is becoming popularized/mass-oriented.)

Another related term is 白话 (báihuà). Historically, this referred to the vernacular language as opposed to classical Chinese. Today, saying someone speaks in 白话 implies they are using plain, straightforward language without using big words or jargon.

请用白话告诉我到底发生了什么。(Please tell me in plain language what exactly happened.)

Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the *clarity* (通俗), the *universal reach* (普及), the *lack of difficulty* (浅显), or the *lack of pretension* (平易). 通俗 remains the most versatile for describing high-quality, accessible content.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In ancient times, 'sú' was often used by the elite to look down on commoners, but '通俗' eventually became a term of praise for scholars who could communicate effectively with the masses.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tʊŋ suː/

US /tʊŋ suː/

In Chinese, both syllables carry equal weight according to their tones.

Rima con

中俗 (zhōngsú) 风俗 (fēngsú) 工俗 (gōngsú) 空俗 (kōngsú) 松俗 (sōngsú) 东俗 (dōngsú) 红俗 (hóngsú) 重俗 (zhòngsú)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'sú' with a flat tone (making it sound like 'su' - uncle).
Pronouncing 'tōng' with a falling tone (making it sound like 'tòng' - pain).
Confusing the 'u' sound in 'sú' with the 'ü' sound.
Failing to aspirate the 't' in 'tōng'.
Merging the two words into one flat sound without tone distinction.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The word itself is common in books and signs, making it easy to recognize once learned.

Escritura 4/5

Writing the character '俗' requires attention to the strokes, but '通' is very common.

Expresión oral 3/5

The tones are distinct and the word is frequently used in praise of others.

Escucha 3/5

Commonly heard in educational contexts and media reviews.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

通 (tōng) 俗 (sú) 容易 (róngyì) 简单 (jiǎndān) 大众 (dàzhòng)

Aprende después

普及 (pǔjí) 深奥 (shēn'ào) 雅俗共赏 (yǎ sú gòng shǎng) 科普 (kēpǔ) 晦涩 (huìsè)

Avanzado

解构 (jiěgòu) 叙事 (xùshì) 话语权 (huàyǔquán) 审美 (shěnměi) 受众 (shòuzhòng)

Gramática que debes saber

The use of '化' to create verbs from adjectives.

通俗 -> 通俗化 (to popularize)

Descriptive complement with '得'.

他讲得很通俗。(He speaks very simply.)

Adjectival modification with '的'.

通俗的语言 (Popular language)

Contrastive structures with '既...又...'.

既高雅又通俗 (Both refined and popular)

Purpose clauses using '为了'.

为了更通俗，他举了很多例子。(To be more accessible, he gave many examples.)

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Ejemplos por nivel

这本小书很通俗。

This little book is very easy to understand.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

他说的话很通俗。

What he says is very simple/common.

The phrase '他说的话' acts as the subject.

我喜欢通俗的故事。

I like easy-to-understand stories.

Adjective + 的 + Noun.

这个词很通俗。

This word is very common/simple.

Describing a linguistic unit.

老师讲得很通俗。

The teacher explains very simply.

Verb + 得 + 很 + Adjective (describing the action).

这是一本通俗书。

This is a popular/common book.

Simple classification.

这种音乐很通俗。

This music is very popular/accessible.

Describing a genre.

大家都能看懂，很通俗。

Everyone can understand it; it's very simple.

Causal relationship implied.

这本历史书写得很通俗。

This history book is written in a very accessible way.

Focus on the style of writing.

请用通俗的语言解释。

Please explain using simple language.

Imperative sentence with '用...的语言'.

通俗读物对学生很有帮助。

Popular reading materials are very helpful for students.

Compound noun '通俗读物'.

他的演讲通俗易懂。

His speech is easy to understand.

Using the common idiom '通俗易懂'.

我不喜欢太深奥的书，我喜欢通俗的。

I don't like books that are too deep; I like accessible ones.

Contrast between '深奥' and '通俗'.

这首通俗歌曲很有名。

This pop song is very famous.

Describing a specific type of song.

这个道理讲得很通俗。

This principle is explained very simply.

Describing how a concept is conveyed.

我们需要更多通俗的科学书。

We need more popular science books.

Expressing a need for a type of object.

为了让老人听懂，他讲得很通俗。

To make the elderly understand, he spoke very simply.

Purpose clause with '为了'.

这种通俗艺术在民间很流行。

This kind of popular art is very trendy among the people.

Distinguishing '通俗' (style) and '流行' (popularity).

这篇文章把法律知识通俗化了。

This article has popularized/simplified legal knowledge.

Using the '把' construction with the verb '通俗化'.

虽然是专业书，但语言很通俗。

Although it's a professional book, the language is very accessible.

Concession clause with '虽然...但'.

他擅长用通俗的比喻来说明问题。

He is good at using simple metaphors to explain problems.

Verb '擅长' followed by a method.

这部小说的语言风格既通俗又生动。

The language style of this novel is both accessible and vivid.

Correlative conjunction '既...又'.

通俗文学也有很高的艺术价值。

Popular literature also has high artistic value.

Challenging a common assumption.

我们要学会通俗地表达复杂的想法。

We need to learn to express complex ideas in a simple way.

Adverbial usage with '地'.

科普作品必须做到通俗易懂，才能吸引读者。

Popular science works must be easy to understand to attract readers.

Condition '必须...才能'.

他的创作风格逐渐从高雅转向了通俗。

His creative style gradually shifted from refined to popular.

Describing a transition with '从...转向'.

这本书是关于中国哲学的通俗读本。

This book is a popular reader about Chinese philosophy.

Defining the genre of a specific book.

专家们正在讨论如何将学术研究通俗化。

Experts are discussing how to popularize academic research.

Topic-comment structure regarding a process.

通俗并不意味着平庸，它是一种沟通能力。

Being accessible doesn't mean being mediocre; it's a communication skill.

Clarifying a concept with '并不意味着'.

他用通俗的语言解构了晦涩的哲学命题。

He deconstructed obscure philosophical propositions with accessible language.

Using '用...解构' (deconstruct with...).

这部剧因为台词通俗幽默而走红。

This drama became popular because its lines are accessible and humorous.

Causal construction with '因为...而'.

政府报告的语言应当更加通俗，方便群众理解。

The language of government reports should be more accessible to facilitate public understanding.

Using '应当' for a recommendation.

在信息时代，如何实现高深理论的通俗化传播是一个挑战。

In the information age, how to achieve the popularized dissemination of profound theories is a challenge.

Complex subject phrase '如何实现...'.

这位作家的作品成功地在雅与俗之间找到了平衡点。

This writer's works successfully found a balance between the refined and the popular.

Abstract nouns '雅' and '俗' used as categories.

通俗文化的兴起反映了大众审美趣味的变化。

The rise of popular culture reflects changes in the aesthetic tastes of the masses.

Subject-verb-object with abstract concepts.

他试图通过通俗的叙事方式来消解历史的沉重感。

He tries to dissipate the heaviness of history through a popular narrative style.

Using '通过...来' to describe a method.

该学说虽然严谨，但在通俗性方面略显不足。

Although the theory is rigorous, it is slightly lacking in terms of accessibility.

Using the suffix '性' to create the noun 'accessibility'.

这种通俗的解释虽然不完全精确，但易于传播。

This popular explanation, while not entirely precise, is easy to spread.

Concessive relationship with '虽然...但'.

大众传媒在通俗化进程中扮演了至关重要的角色。

Mass media has played a crucial role in the process of popularization.

Idiomatic expression '扮演了...的角色'.

我们不应将通俗化误解为对学术质量的妥协。

We should not misunderstand popularization as a compromise on academic quality.

Using '将...误解为' (misunderstand A as B).

通俗文学史的研究不仅关乎文本，更关乎社会心态的变迁。

The study of the history of popular literature is not only about texts but also about the changes in social mentality.

Correlative '不仅...更...' for emphasis.

这种叙事策略旨在打破精英文化与通俗文化之间的壁垒。

This narrative strategy aims to break down the barriers between elite culture and popular culture.

Formal verb '旨在' (aims to).

在文化批评中，‘通俗’常被作为一种解构权威的手段。

In cultural criticism, 'popular' is often used as a means of deconstructing authority.

Passive voice '常被作为'.

尽管其表现形式通俗，其内在逻辑却极其严密。

Despite its popular form of expression, its internal logic is extremely rigorous.

Contrast between external '形式' and internal '逻辑'.

作者巧妙地利用通俗的辞藻包裹了极其深刻的政治隐喻。

The author skillfully used popular rhetoric to wrap extremely profound political metaphors.

Using '包裹' (to wrap) metaphorically.

通俗化并不等同于庸俗化，前者是智慧，后者是堕落。

Popularization is not equivalent to vulgarization; the former is wisdom, the latter is degradation.

Using '等同于' and '前者/后者' for logical distinction.

在现代语境下，通俗艺术已成为构建国家认同的重要资源。

In the modern context, popular art has become an important resource for constructing national identity.

Prepositional phrase '在...语境下'.

这种通俗的文风，实则是对传统文人习气的有力反拨。

This popular writing style is actually a powerful counter-reaction to traditional literati habits.

Using '实则是' to reveal the true essence.

Colocaciones comunes

通俗易懂

通俗读物

通俗文学

通俗音乐

通俗化

通俗语言

通俗演义

通俗讲座

通俗解释

通俗唱法

Frases Comunes

通俗地说

— To put it simply; in layman's terms.

通俗地说，这就是一种新型电池。

走向通俗

— To become more popular or accessible.

艺术正在走向通俗。

通俗版本

— A simplified or popular version of a work.

这是名著的通俗版本。

通俗艺术

— Popular art; art for the masses.

通俗艺术有其独特的魅力。

通俗读本

— A popular reader or textbook.

这是一本哲学通俗读本。

通俗名称

— A common name; a layman's name for something.

这种植物的通俗名称是‘太阳花’。

通俗观点

— A popular or common view.

这是一个非常通俗的观点。

通俗风格

— A popular or accessible style.

他的文风走的是通俗风格。

通俗文化

— Popular culture.

通俗文化对社会影响巨大。

通俗道理

— A simple truth; a common-sense principle.

他讲的都是一些通俗道理。

Se confunde a menudo con

通俗 vs 流行

流行 means trendy/fashionable; 通俗 means accessible/easy to understand.

通俗 vs 庸俗

庸俗 is negative (vulgar/tacky); 通俗 is neutral/positive (popular/accessible).

通俗 vs 普遍

普遍 means common/universal in occurrence; 通俗 means common/popular in understanding.

Modismos y expresiones

"通俗易懂"

— Popular and easy to understand. The most common way to praise clarity.

这篇文章写得通俗易懂。

Neutral

"雅俗共赏"

— Appreciated by both the refined and the popular. Describes high-quality work with broad appeal.

这部电影真是雅俗共赏。

Formal

"平易近人"

— Simple and easy to approach. Usually describes a person's character or writing style.

这位教授非常平易近人。

Neutral

"浅显易懂"

— Plain and easy to understand. Similar to 通俗易懂 but emphasizes simplicity.

说明书写得浅显易懂。

Neutral

"深入浅出"

— To explain profound truths in simple language. A high compliment for teachers.

他讲课总是深入浅出。

Formal

"闻名遐迩"

— Famous far and wide. Often used for popular works.

这部通俗小说闻名遐迩。

Formal

"妇孺皆知"

— Known by every woman and child. Describes something universally known.

这个故事在当地妇孺皆知。

Neutral

"家喻户晓"

— Known to every household. Describes something extremely popular.

他的名字在我国可谓家喻户晓。

Neutral

"众所周知"

— As everyone knows; well-known.

众所周知，这是一个通俗的道理。

Formal

"言简意赅"

— Concise and comprehensive. Often a goal of 'tongsu' writing.

他的话言简意赅，通俗易懂。

Formal

Fácil de confundir

通俗 vs 流行 (liúxíng)

Both translate as 'popular'.

流行 describes what is in fashion at the moment. 通俗 describes a style that is easy for everyone to understand. A song can be 'tongsu' (simple melody) but not 'liuxing' (if no one is listening to it right now).

这件衣服很流行，但不一定很通俗。

通俗 vs 简单 (jiǎndān)

Both imply ease of understanding.

简单 is broader and can refer to a task, a machine, or a person. 通俗 specifically refers to the accessibility of communication or art to the general public.

这个问题很简单，但他的解释不通俗。

通俗 vs 庸俗 (yōngsú)

They share the character 'sú'.

庸俗 is a derogatory term meaning tacky, low-class, or vulgar. 通俗 is a neutral or positive term meaning clear and accessible. Confusing them can cause offense.

通俗的艺术不一定是庸俗的。

通俗 vs 浅显 (qiǎnxiǎn)

Both mean easy to understand.

浅显 emphasizes that something is not deep or difficult. 通俗 emphasizes that something is for the common people and has broad social appeal.

他的文字浅显易懂，非常通俗。

通俗 vs 普及 (pǔjí)

Related to reaching a large audience.

普及 is often a verb meaning to spread or universalize something. 通俗 is an adjective describing the quality of the thing being spread.

为了普及法律，我们需要通俗的手册。

Patrones de oraciones

Subject + 很 + 通俗。

这本书很通俗。

通俗的 + Noun + 很 + Adjective。

通俗的故事很有趣。

Verb + 得 + 很 + 通俗。

他讲得很通俗。

把 + Object + 通俗化。

把科学知识通俗化。

在...方面，...略显通俗。

在表达方面，这篇文章略显通俗。

与其说...不如说其具有通俗性。

与其说它简单，不如说其具有通俗性。

General

用通俗的话说，就是...

用通俗的话说，就是他赢了。

General

既...又通俗易懂。

这篇文章既深刻又通俗易懂。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

通俗性 (accessibility/popularity)

通俗文学 (popular literature)

通俗读物 (popular reading material)

Verbos

通俗化 (to popularize/to make accessible)

Adjetivos

通俗的 (popular/accessible)

通俗易懂的 (easy to understand)

Relacionado

风俗 (custom)

俗语 (slang/proverb)

庸俗 (vulgar)

世俗 (secular)

雅俗 (refined and popular)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in educational, literary, and media contexts.

Errores comunes

Using 通俗 for 'fashionable'. → 流行
通俗 means easy to understand; 流行 means trendy. A 'popular' song is 流行, but its 'accessible' style is 通俗.
Confusing 通俗 with 庸俗. → 通俗 (for accessible), 庸俗 (for vulgar)
庸俗 is an insult (tacky/crude). 通俗 is neutral or a compliment (clear/for everyone). This is a major social error.
Using 通俗 to describe a person's character. → 随和 or 平易近人
通俗 describes works or language. You cannot say 'He is a very通俗 person.'
Omitting '的' in '通俗语言'. → 通俗的语言
As a multi-syllable adjective, it usually requires '的' when modifying a noun unless it's a fixed compound like '通俗文学'.
Using 通俗 to mean 'simple' for a math problem. → 简单
A math problem is 简单 (easy to solve). The *explanation* of the math problem is 通俗 (easy to understand).

Consejos

Praise Clarity

Use '通俗' when you want to compliment someone for explaining a hard topic clearly. It shows you appreciate their effort to be understood.

The 'DE' Rule

Remember to use '的' when '通俗' modifies a noun (通俗的书) and '地' when it modifies a verb (通俗地讲).

Learn the Idiom

Memorize '通俗易懂' as a single unit. It is much more common than using '通俗' alone in many descriptions.

Class Awareness

Understand that '通俗' carries a history of making 'elite' knowledge available to 'regular' people. It's a very democratic word.

Not for Trends

Don't use '通俗' to mean 'fashionable.' If a dress is popular, it is '流行,' not '通俗.'

Academic Use

In essays, use '通俗化' to discuss how to spread information to the public. It's a very professional-sounding term.

Context Clues

If you hear 'sú' in a negative context, it's likely '庸俗' (vulgar). If it's neutral or positive, it's likely '通俗.'

Layman's Terms

Start difficult explanations with '通俗地说...' to signal to your listener that you are simplifying things for them.

Bookstore Labels

Look for the '通俗' section in Chinese bookstores if you want interesting but manageable reading material.

The Tunnel Metaphor

Think of 'Tōng' as a tunnel. 'Tongsu' is a tunnel that lets knowledge pass through to the common people.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Tōng' as a 'Tunnel' that connects knowledge to the 'Sú' (Super-common) people. A tunnel for the common folk makes things accessible.

Asociación visual

Imagine a bridge (通) leading from a tall ivory tower to a crowded town square (俗). The bridge makes the tower's secrets accessible.

Word Web

通俗易懂通俗文学通俗唱法科普大众化白话浅显普及

Desafío

Try to explain a complex hobby of yours using only '通俗' Chinese words. Avoid any technical terms and see if a beginner can understand you.

Origen de la palabra

The word '通俗' dates back to ancient Chinese texts. '通' (tōng) originally meant a path that is clear or to pass through. '俗' (sú) referred to the local customs or the common people. Together, they described things that were 'circulated among the common people' or 'in accordance with common customs.'

Significado original: To be in accordance with common customs or easily understood by the public.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic)

Contexto cultural

Never use 'Tongsu' to describe a person's character; it might be mistaken for 'Yongsu' (vulgar). Only use it for their style of communication or work.

Similar to 'layman's terms' or 'popular science' in English, but 'Tongsu' carries a stronger historical weight of bridging class divides.

《三国演义》- A classic example of 'Tongsu' historical fiction. 百家讲坛 (Lecture Room) - A famous TV show known for its 'Tongsu' scholarly lectures. 通俗歌曲 (Pop songs) - A term used in early Chinese pop music history.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Education

通俗易懂的讲解
通俗教材
把复杂的问题通俗化
适合初学者

Media/Arts

通俗歌曲
通俗文学作品
雅俗共赏的电影
大众化的审美

Business

通俗的产品说明
用通俗的话向客户解释
市场通俗化策略
通俗的报告风格

Publishing

通俗读物系列
通俗百科全书
文笔通俗
针对普通读者

Daily Conversation

说得通俗一点
这道理很通俗
通俗的想法
大家都懂的通俗词汇

Inicios de conversación

"你觉得哪位作家的文风最通俗易懂？"

"你能用通俗的话解释一下你最近在研究什么吗？"

"你喜欢看通俗文学还是严肃文学？"

"为什么现在的科普视频都做得这么通俗有趣？"

"你认为艺术应该走高雅路线还是通俗路线？"

Temas para diario

描述一次你成功用通俗的语言解决误会的经历。

你认为将传统文化通俗化是好事还是坏事？为什么？

写一段话，尝试用最通俗的语言解释一个复杂的科学概念。

评论一本你最近读过的通俗读物。

谈谈通俗音乐对你生活的影响。

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, '通俗' means popular or accessible in a neutral or positive way. If you want to say 'vulgar' in a negative sense, use '庸俗' (yōngsú). For example, a '通俗' song is just a pop song, but a '庸俗' song is one with tacky or crude lyrics.

Generally, no. '通俗' is used for things people produce, like language, books, or music. To describe a person who is easy to get along with or not stuck-up, use '平易近人' (píngyì jìn rén) or '随和' (suíhe).

The most common use is in the four-character idiom '通俗易懂' (tōngsú yì dǒng), which means 'popular and easy to understand.' It is used to praise clear writing or speaking.

Yes, but '通俗音乐' is a slightly older or more formal term. Nowadays, people often say '流行音乐' (liúxíng yīnyuè) for modern pop music, while '通俗' might refer to light music or older pop styles.

By adding '化' (huà), it becomes '通俗化' (tōngsúhuà), which means 'to popularize' or 'to make accessible.' For example, '把科学通俗化' means to make science accessible to the public.

Usually, yes, because it implies clarity. However, in high-art circles, it might be used slightly negatively to mean 'lacking in depth' or 'too mainstream,' though '庸俗' is more common for that purpose.

You can say '通俗地说' (tōngsú de shuō) or '用通俗的话说' (yòng tōngsú de huà shuō). For example, '通俗地说，电脑就是个电子大脑' (In layman's terms, a computer is an electronic brain).

It is 'popular reading material'—books written for non-experts on subjects like history, law, or science. They are very common in Chinese bookstores.

The most common antonyms are '深奥' (shēn'ào - profound/hard) and '晦涩' (huìsè - obscure/hard to read). '高雅' (gāoyǎ - refined) is also used as a contrast.

Yes, they both share the character '俗' (sú), which means 'custom' or 'common people.' '风俗' means 'social customs,' while '通俗' means 'accessible to the common people.'

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