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A2 verb 10 min read

托运

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 托运 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 托运 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to recognize 托运 (tuōyùn) in the context of an airport. You should know that it means 'to check luggage.' When you see a sign that says '托运行李' (tuōyùn xínglǐ), it means 'check-in luggage.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about the logistics industry or complex grammar. Just remember: if you have a big suitcase that you don't want to carry onto the plane, you need to 托运 it. You might hear a staff member ask '托运吗？' (Checking?) or '几件行李？' (How many bags?). Your answer would be '我要托运一件' (I want to check one). This is a survival word for your first trip to China. It is often paired with the word for luggage (行李 - xínglǐ). Think of it as the 'airport word' for big bags. Even if you forget the verb, pointing at your bag and saying '托运' will get the message across to airport staff. Focus on the sound 'tuō yùn' and associate it with the image of a suitcase on a conveyor belt.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 托运 (tuōyùn) in simple sentences and understand its basic rules. You are moving beyond just recognizing the word to actually 'handling' it in conversation. You should know that 托运 is a verb and usually goes before the noun: '托运行李.' You should also learn the phrase '办理托运' (bànlǐ tuōyùn), which means 'to handle the check-in process.' At this level, you might encounter situations where your luggage is 超过重量 (chāoguò zhòngliàng - overweight). You should be able to understand the staff saying '这件行李不能托运' (This bag cannot be checked). You also begin to see the word in other contexts, like taking a long-distance bus or a train where you might need to check a bicycle or a very large box. You should understand that 托运 is something you do *before* you travel. A key grammar point at A2 is using '要' or '想' with 托运: '我要托运两个箱子' (I want to check two boxes). You are also becoming aware of '手提行李' (hand luggage) as the opposite of '托运行李.'

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 托运 (tuōyùn) in a variety of transportation scenarios and understanding the '把' (bǎ) construction. Instead of just saying '我托运行李,' you should be able to say '请把我的行李托运到北京' (Please check my luggage through to Beijing). This shows a higher level of grammatical control. You should also understand the nuances between 托运 and related words like 寄 (jì - to mail) or 运 (yùn - to transport). At B1, you might be discussing travel experiences or problems. For example, you should be able to describe a situation where your 托运行李 lost or was damaged: '我的托运行李在途中损坏了' (My checked luggage was damaged during the trip). You will also encounter the word in more formal announcements and written documents, such as airline policies. You should know phrases like '免费托运额度' (free checked baggage allowance). This level requires you to understand the word in a broader 'consign' sense, such as sending a pet or a car via a transport service, not just suitcases.

At the B2 level, 托运 (tuōyùn) becomes a tool for discussing logistics and formal procedures. You should be able to use it in a professional or business context. For example, if you work in trade, you would use 托运 to describe the consignment of goods to a shipping company. You should understand the terms 托运人 (consignor) and 承运人 (carrier). At this level, you can discuss the pros and cons of different 托运 methods—sea freight vs. air freight. You should be able to handle complex situations, such as negotiating 托运费用 (consignment fees) or discussing 托运协议 (consignment agreements). Your vocabulary should include related terms like 运单 (waybill), 报关 (customs declaration), and 保价 (declared value/insurance). You should also be able to use the word metaphorically or in more abstract discussions about responsibility, though 托运 is primarily a concrete term. You will notice it in news articles about '跨境物流' (cross-border logistics) and '国际托运' (international consignment). You are expected to understand the legal implications of 托运 in terms of liability and loss.

At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of the linguistic and legal nuances of 托运 (tuōyùn). You can differentiate between various types of consignment contracts and discuss the intricacies of '多式联运' (multimodal transport) where 托运 might involve several different carriers. You understand the historical development of the term and how the character 托 (to entrust) shapes the legal expectation of the relationship between the shipper and the carrier. You can read and draft formal 托运合同 (consignment contracts) and understand the fine print regarding '免责条款' (exemption clauses). In discussions about economics, you can analyze 托运数据 (consignment data) as a reflection of trade health. You are also aware of the cultural aspects, such as the specific regulations for 托运 peculiar items like traditional Chinese medicine or cultural relics. Your usage is precise, and you can explain the difference between 托运 and similar technical terms like 拨运 (bōyùn - to transfer goods) or 转运 (zhuǎnyùn - to transship) with ease. You can also use the word in formal speeches or academic writing related to logistics and supply chain management.

At the C2 level, you have native-like mastery of 托运 (tuōyùn) and all its technical and formal applications. You can navigate the most complex logistical challenges in a Chinese-speaking environment, from resolving high-stakes disputes over 货物托运 (goods consignment) to advising on international shipping regulations. You understand the subtle differences in usage across different Chinese-speaking regions (e.g., Mainland China vs. Taiwan or Singapore) regarding logistics terminology. You can appreciate the word's role in classical-style formal Chinese used in maritime law or ancient trade history. You can use the word with perfect register, whether you are chatting with a delivery driver or presenting to a board of directors at a global logistics firm. You understand the philosophical underpinnings of 'entrusting' (托) one's property to another and can discuss the ethics of the transport industry. Your knowledge includes the most obscure collocations and the ability to interpret the word within the context of '智慧物流' (smart logistics) and AI-driven 托运 systems. You are essentially an expert in both the language and the industry associated with the term.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

托运 in 30 Seconds

托运 (tuōyùn) means 'to check luggage' or 'to consign goods' for transport by a carrier.
It is most commonly used at airports for checked bags (托运行李) as opposed to carry-ons.
The word is formal and professional, used in both travel and the logistics industry.
Key structures include '办理托运' (handle check-in) and using the '把' construction for luggage.

The Chinese term 托运 (tuōyùn) is a formal yet essential verb that every traveler and business professional must master. At its linguistic core, it is composed of two powerful characters: 托 (tuō), meaning to entrust or to hold up with the palm, and 运 (yùn), meaning to transport or move. When combined, they create the specific meaning of 'checking in' luggage or 'consigning' goods for shipment. This isn't just about carrying something; it's about the legal and physical transfer of responsibility from the owner to a transport provider, such as an airline, a railway company, or a logistics firm.

Travel Context: In the world of aviation, 托运 is the word you use when you hand over your heavy suitcases at the check-in counter. It distinguishes 'checked baggage' (托运行李) from 'carry-on baggage' (手提行李). If you are at an airport in Beijing or Shanghai, you will frequently hear the announcement asking passengers to proceed to the counter to 办理托运 (bànlǐ tuōyùn) — to handle the check-in process.

请问，我可以在这里办理行李托运吗？(Excuse me, can I check in my luggage here?)

Beyond personal travel, 托运 is the standard term in the shipping industry. If a company needs to send a large bulk of raw materials across the country via freight, they are 'consigning' those goods. This implies a contract of carriage where the 托运人 (shipper/consignor) pays the 承运人 (carrier) to deliver the items. It is more formal than simply 'mailing' (寄) a small package. It suggests a larger scale, a more formal logistical process, and often involves specific documentation like a 托运单 (waybill or consignment note).

Logistics Context: When using services like SF Express (顺丰) for very large items or moving companies for furniture, the process is referred to as 托运. It covers the movement of cars, pets, and heavy machinery. The term implies that the item is too large or inappropriate for standard postal delivery and requires specialized transport handling.

The word is highly functional. You will see it on signs at airports (托运处), in mobile apps for logistics, and in legal contracts regarding trade. It is a neutral, professional term that conveys the transition of an object from your personal possession into a logistical system. Understanding this word is the difference between struggling with heavy bags and successfully navigating the efficient transport networks of the Chinese-speaking world.

这台钢琴需要专门的物流公司来托运。(This piano needs a specialized logistics company for consignment.)

Formal Usage: In legal and commercial documents, 托运 identifies the party initiating the shipment. The 'Consignor' is the 托运人, and the 'Consignee' is the 收货人. This clarifies responsibilities for insurance, damage, and delivery timelines.

Using 托运 correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb. It almost always takes a direct object—the item being sent—and is frequently used with the '把' (bǎ) construction, which emphasizes the disposal or handling of the object. Because 托运 involves a process, it is often paired with auxiliary verbs like '要' (yào - want/need), '可以' (kěyǐ - can), or '必须' (bìxū - must).

Structure 1: Simple Verb-Object: Subject + 托运 + Object (Luggage/Goods). For example: 我托运行李 (I check my luggage). This is the most direct way to state the action.

航空公司规定每人只能免费托运一件行李。(The airline stipulates that each person can only check one piece of luggage for free.)

In more complex scenarios, especially when giving instructions or describing a sequence of events, the '把' construction is preferred. This highlights the luggage as the focus of the action. Structure: Subject + 把 + Luggage + 托运 + (Result/Destination). This is how staff at an airport will likely speak to you.

Structure 2: The '把' Construction: 请把你的行李放在秤上托运。(Please put your luggage on the scale to check it in.) Here, the action is applied directly to the luggage.

Another common pattern involves the use of '给' (gěi) to indicate the recipient or the service provider. For example, '把行李托运给航空公司' (Check the luggage with the airline). You can also use '从...托运到...' to describe the route of transport, which is common in logistics and international trade contexts.

我们公司要把这批货物从上海托运到伦敦。(Our company needs to consign this batch of goods from Shanghai to London.)

Questions and Negations: To ask a question, you can use '吗' at the end or the 'V-not-V' form: '你托不托运行李？' (Are you checking luggage or not?). For negation, use '不' for habitual/future or '没' for past: '我没托运行李' (I didn't check luggage).

If you are traveling in China, 托运 will be one of the most frequent words you see and hear. Its presence is ubiquitous in any transportation hub. From the moment you enter an airport terminal, you will see large digital signs pointing toward the 托运柜台 (tuōyùn guìtái) or check-in counters. Staff members equipped with microphones often broadcast instructions like '请前往24号柜台办理行李托运' (Please go to counter 24 to handle luggage check-in).

Airport Environment: At the check-in desk, the agent will ask: '您有几件行李要托运？' (How many pieces of luggage do you have to check?). This is the standard, polite way to inquire about your bags. You might also hear warnings about 违禁品 (wéijìnpǐn - prohibited items) that cannot be 托运, such as power banks or lithium batteries, which must be carried on.

充电宝严禁托运，必须随身携带。(Power banks are strictly prohibited from being checked; they must be carried with you.)

Rail travel in China also uses this term. While most people carry their bags onto the high-speed trains (G-trains), larger items or cross-country shipments can be handled by China Railway Express. In this context, you would visit the 铁路托运处 (Railway Consignment Office). This is common for students moving between cities or people relocating their household goods. You will hear phrases like '中铁快运' (China Railway Express) associated with 托运 services.

Business and E-commerce: In the booming world of Chinese e-commerce (Taobao, JD.com), sellers often discuss logistics with customers. If a customer buys a bulky item like a refrigerator, the seller might say: '我们会通过德邦物流为您托运' (We will consign the item for you via Deppon Logistics). Here, it sounds more professional than just 'shipping' (发货).

Finally, in international trade, 托运 is the technical term used at customs and ports. If you are watching a news report about global supply chains, you will hear about 货物托运量 (cargo consignment volume) as an economic indicator. It is a word that bridges the gap between a simple traveler's suitcase and the massive movement of global commerce.

由于天气原因，这批货物的托运被延迟了。(Due to weather reasons, the consignment of this batch of goods has been delayed.)

While 托运 is a straightforward concept, learners often make specific errors regarding its scope and grammar. The most common mistake is confusing it with 寄 (jì), which means to mail or send via post. While both involve sending something, 托运 specifically refers to the transport of luggage or bulk goods by a carrier, usually accompanying a traveler or as part of a formal logistical shipment. You '寄' a letter or a small gift, but you '托运' a suitcase or a crate of wine.

Confusing 托运 with 寄 (jì): Incorrect: 我要把这个信封托运到美国 (I want to consign this envelope to America). Correct: 我要把这个信封寄到美国. Use 托运 only for items that go into cargo or freight systems.

Wrong: 我在邮局托运包裹。(I consigned a package at the post office.) Right: 我在邮局寄包裹。(I mailed a package at the post office.)

Another error involves the object of the verb. 托运 must be used with physical items. You cannot '托运' a person or a digital file. Some learners mistakenly use it like 'transport' (运输), which is a broader noun/verb for the general movement of things. 托运 is the specific act of initiating that transport by handing it over.

Misusing 'Carry' vs 'Check': Learners sometimes say '带' (dài - bring/carry) when they mean check-in. If you say '我带了行李,' it means you have luggage with you. If you say '我托运了行李,' it means you have already given it to the airline.

Grammatically, learners often forget the '把' construction. While '托运行李' is correct, in spoken Chinese, '把行李托运了' sounds much more natural when the action is completed. Also, ensure you don't confuse 托运 (to consign) with 承运 (chéngyùn), which means to 'undertake the transport'—the action performed by the airline or shipping company.

Incorrect: 航空公司托运了我的行李。(The airline consigned my luggage - sounds like they are the owner). Correct: 航空公司承运了我的行李 (The airline carried my luggage) or 我把行李托运给航空公司了 (I checked my luggage with the airline).

To truly master 托运, you must understand how it sits within the family of words related to moving things. Chinese has many specific verbs for 'sending' or 'carrying,' and choosing the wrong one can make you sound unnatural or lead to confusion in a professional setting.

托运 (tuōyùn) vs. 寄 (jì): 托运: Used for luggage at airports/trains or bulk goods via logistics. Usually implies larger items or a professional carrier contract.
寄: Used for mail, parcels, and letters via a postal service (EMS, DHL). It is the everyday word for 'sending' something through the mail.

旅行时，我托运了大箱子，但给朋友寄了一张明信片。(When traveling, I checked my large suitcase, but mailed a postcard to my friend.)

托运 (tuōyùn) vs. 运输 (yùnshū): 托运: The act of handing over goods to be sent. Focuses on the initiation of the process by the owner.
运输: The general process of 'transportation.' It is often used as a noun or a broad verb describing the physical movement of goods by truck, plane, or ship.

托运 (tuōyùn) vs. 搬运 (bānyùn): 托运: Sending something far away via a service.
搬运: The physical act of carrying or moving something heavy from point A to point B, like moving furniture within a house or loading a truck. It focuses on the labor of carrying.

工人正在搬运准备托运的货物。(The workers are moving [carrying] the goods that are prepared to be consigned.)

Other niche terms include 运送 (yùnsòng), which is a more formal 'deliver/transport,' and 交付 (jiāofù), which means 'to hand over' in a legal or payment sense. In an airport, you might also hear 寄存 (jìcún), which means to 'leave' or 'store' luggage in a locker or left-luggage office, as opposed to sending it on a plane.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 托 (tuō) contains the 'hand' radical (扌), emphasizing the act of handing something over. The character 运 (yùn) contains the 'walk/movement' radical (辶).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tuɔː jʊn/

US /twoʊ jʊn/

First syllable 'tuo' is sustained, second syllable 'yun' is emphasized and short.

Rhymes With

说 (shuō) 多 (duō) 波 (bō) 运 (yùn) rhymes with 训 (xùn) 俊 (jùn) 进 (jìn - near rhyme) 信 (xìn - near rhyme) 问 (wèn - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tuo' like 'too'. It must have the 'w' glide.
Pronouncing 'yun' like 'yoon' (as in 'moon'). It should be the rounded 'ü' sound.
Getting the tones wrong: don't make it 'tuó yùn' (2nd tone); it is 'tuō' (1st tone).
Confusing 'tuo' with 'tou'.
Failing to drop the tone sharply on 'yun'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are common but the 'Tuo' character can be confused with others.

Writing 3/5

Writing '运' requires attention to the stroke order of the radical.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the 'ü' sound in 'yun'.

Listening 2/5

Very common in airport announcements; easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

行李机场车站带去

Learn Next

超重登机牌柜台物流快递

Advanced

承运人留置权多式联运报关提货单

Grammar to Know

The '把' Construction

请把这个箱子托运了。

Resultative Complements

行李已经托运到了。

Modal Verbs (可以, 必须)

你必须在这里托运行李。

Directional Complements

货物已经托运出去了。

Measure Words for Luggage (件)

我托运了两件行李。

Examples by Level

我要托运行李。

I want to check my luggage.

Subject + Verb + Object

你有行李要托运吗？

Do you have luggage to check?

Question with 吗

托运在哪里？

Where is the check-in?

Asking for location

我的行李要托运。

My luggage needs to be checked.

Simple statement

托运一件行李。

Check one piece of luggage.

Verb + Number + Measure Word + Noun

我不托运。

I am not checking (anything).

Negation with 不

请托运这个箱子。

Please check this box.

Polite request with 请

托运费是多少？

How much is the check-in fee?

Asking for price

您可以免费托运二十公斤。

You can check 20kg for free.

Use of 免费 (free)

我要办理行李托运手续。

I need to handle the luggage check-in procedures.

Noun phrase: 托运手续

这件行李太重，不能托运。

This bag is too heavy; it cannot be checked.

Condition and result

请把行李放在这里托运。

Please put the luggage here to check it.

把 construction

你托运了几件行李？

How many bags did you check?

Past action with 了

我没有要托运的东西。

I don't have anything to check.

Negative possession

我们需要在这里托运自行车吗？

Do we need to check the bicycles here?

Modal verb 需要

托运处在二楼。

The check-in area is on the second floor.

Locative structure

如果行李超重，托运费会很贵。

If the luggage is overweight, the check-in fee will be expensive.

Conditional '如果...就/会...'

把你的宠物托运需要准备健康证明。

To check your pet, you need to prepare a health certificate.

Topic-comment structure

我把行李托运到了终点站。

I checked my luggage through to the final destination.

Resultative complement 到

航空公司弄丢了我的托运行李。

The airline lost my checked luggage.

Past event with 弄丢

你在托运之前检查过箱子吗？

Did you check the box before consigning it?

Time phrase '...之前'

这批货物将通过铁路托运。

This batch of goods will be consigned via railway.

Passive-style future with 将

办理托运时，请出示您的护照。

When checking in, please show your passport.

'...时' (when/during)

由于天气原因，托运被延迟了。

Due to weather, the consignment was delayed.

Cause and effect with 由于

托运人必须确保货物的包装符合标准。

The consignor must ensure the packaging of the goods meets the standards.

Formal term: 托运人

我们公司经常托运大型机械设备到海外。

Our company frequently consigns large machinery and equipment overseas.

Adverb 经常 + Verb

请在托运单上详细注明货物的名称和数量。

Please specify the name and quantity of the goods in detail on the waybill.

Formal term: 托运单

如果托运过程中发生损坏，谁来承担责任？

If damage occurs during the consignment process, who will bear the responsibility?

Complex question about liability

这项服务包括货物的包装和托运。

This service includes the packaging and consignment of goods.

Verb 包括

我们需要对比不同物流公司的托运价格。

We need to compare the consignment prices of different logistics companies.

Verb 对比

托运合同中明确规定了赔偿标准。

The compensation standards are clearly stipulated in the consignment contract.

Formal term: 托运合同

跨境托运涉及到复杂的报关手续。

Cross-border consignment involves complex customs declaration procedures.

Verb 涉及到

承运人对托运货物的损失负有有限责任。

The carrier has limited liability for the loss of consigned goods.

Legal terminology: 承运人, 有限责任

该协议旨在规范国际航空货物的托运流程。

The agreement aims to standardize the consignment process for international air cargo.

Formal structure '旨在...'

托运人应如实申报货物的价值，以便办理保价。

The consignor should truthfully declare the value of the goods to handle the insurance.

Formal term: 如实申报, 保价

由于托运人包装不当导致的损毁，承运人不予赔偿。

The carrier will not compensate for damage caused by the consignor's improper packaging.

Formal negation: 不予

多式联运大大提高了货物托运的效率。

Multimodal transport has greatly improved the efficiency of cargo consignment.

Technical term: 多式联运

我们需要重新审视托运过程中的风险管理策略。

We need to re-examine the risk management strategies in the consignment process.

Abstract term: 风险管理策略

托运货物的交付时间受多种不可抗力因素影响。

The delivery time of consigned goods is affected by various force majeure factors.

Legal term: 不可抗力

数字化平台简化了托运申请和追踪的步骤。

Digital platforms have simplified the steps for consignment application and tracking.

Modern context: 数字化平台

在海商法中，托运人的权利与义务有着详尽的界定。

In maritime law, the rights and obligations of the consignor are exhaustively defined.

Academic context: 海商法, 界定

托运凭证是证明运输合同存在及其内容的核心证据。

The consignment voucher is the core evidence proving the existence and content of the transport contract.

Legal context: 核心证据

随着智慧物流的发展，托运环节正经历着深刻的范式变革。

With the development of smart logistics, the consignment link is undergoing a profound paradigm shift.

Abstract terminology: 范式变革

承运人若未能履行安全托运的职责，将面临巨额诉讼。

If the carrier fails to fulfill the duty of safe consignment, they will face massive litigation.

Conditional '若...将...'

托运货物的留置权是承运人保障其债权的重要手段。

The right of lien on consigned goods is an important means for carriers to protect their claims.

Legal term: 留置权

深入探讨托运法律关系的演变，有助于完善现代物流体系。

Deeply exploring the evolution of consignment legal relationships helps to improve the modern logistics system.

Academic verb: 深入探讨

在全球化背景下，托运规则的国际统一化趋势日益明显。

In the context of globalization, the trend of international unification of consignment rules is increasingly evident.

Complex noun phrase: 国际统一化趋势

托运环节中的碳足迹计算已成为绿色物流的关键指标。

Carbon footprint calculation in the consignment link has become a key indicator of green logistics.

Environmental context: 碳足迹

Common Collocations

托运行李

办理托运

免费托运

托运单

托运处

货物托运

宠物托运

托运费

托运人

禁止托运

Common Phrases

行李托运额度

— The weight or piece limit for checked baggage.

经济舱的行李托运额度是多少？

办理行李托运

— To go through the process of checking in bags.

请尽快办理行李托运。

托运违禁品

— To check items that are not allowed in the cargo hold.

严禁在行李中托运违禁品。

大件托运

— Consignment of oversized or bulky items.

大件托运需要额外付费。

铁路托运

— Sending goods or luggage via the train system.

铁路托运比空运便宜。

国际托运

— Sending goods or luggage across international borders.

国际托运需要海关检查。

空运托运

— Sending goods specifically by air freight.

空运托运速度最快。

托运合同

— A legal agreement between a shipper and a carrier.

双方签署了托运合同。

托运服务

— The service provided by a company to move goods.

他们提供门到门的托运服务。

托运标签

— The tag attached to checked luggage for identification.

请确认托运标签上的目的地。

Often Confused With

托运 vs 寄 (jì)

寄 is for mail/parcels. 托运 is for luggage/freight.

托运 vs 运 (yùn)

运 is a general verb for 'transport'. 托运 is the specific act of consigning/checking in.

托运 vs 带 (dài)

带 means to carry with you. 托运 means to give it to the carrier.

Idioms & Expressions

"托付终身"

— To entrust one's whole life to someone (usually marriage). Uses the '托' character in a related way.

她决定将自己托付终身给他。

Literary

"运筹帷幄"

— To devise strategies (literally: moving chips in a tent). Uses the '运' character.

他在办公室里运筹帷幄，指挥全局。

Formal

"应运而生"

— To emerge as the times require. Uses '运' in the sense of 'fate/luck'.

这种新技术是应运而生的。

Formal

"托物言志"

— To express one's ambition through descriptions of objects. Uses '托'.

这首诗采用了托物言志的手法。

Literary

"匠心独运"

— To show unique ingenuity. Uses '运'.

这个建筑的设计匠心独运。

Formal

"时来运转"

— Fortune begins to turn in one's favor. Uses '运'.

经过多年的努力，他终于时来运转了。

Neutral

"托人情"

— To ask for a favor through connections. Uses '托'.

为了这件事，他到处托人情。

Informal

"左右逢源"

— To be successful in everything. Uses '运' implicitly in related concepts.

他在社交场合左右逢源。

Neutral

"负重致远"

— To shoulder heavy responsibilities and go far. Related to transport logic.

作为领导者，他必须负重致远。

Literary

"通运"

— To open up for transport/traffic. Formal technical term.

这条新铁路已经正式通运。

Formal

Easily Confused

托运 vs 搬运

Both involve moving things.

搬运 is the physical labor of carrying; 托运 is the service of sending via carrier.

我请人搬运箱子去托运处。

托运 vs 运送

Both mean transport.

运送 is a general verb; 托运 focus on the owner's act of handing over.

航空公司负责运送托运的行李。

托运 vs 承运

Opposite side of the same action.

托运 is what the customer does; 承运 is what the company does.

我托运，他们承运。

托运 vs 寄存

Both involve leaving bags.

寄存 is temporary storage (lockers); 托运 is sending to a destination.

我把包寄存了，但我托运了箱子。

托运 vs 发货

Both mean sending goods.

发货 is 'dispatching' (seller's perspective); 托运 is the logistics method.

卖家已经发货，正在托运中。

Sentence Patterns

我要托运[Object]。

我要托运行李。

我可以托运几件[Object]？

我可以托运几件行李？

请把[Object]托运到[Destination]。

请把行李托运到北京。

[Object]不能托运。

电池不能托运。

[Subject]负责[Object]的托运。

我们公司负责货物的托运。

托运[Object]需要[Requirement]。

托运宠物需要健康证明。

关于[Object]的托运，我们有明确的规定。

关于危险品的托运，我们有明确的规定。

托运人在法律上应对[Situation]负责。

托运人在法律上应对申报不实负责。

Word Family

Nouns

托运人 (Shipper)

托运单 (Waybill)

托运费 (Shipping fee)

托运处 (Check-in desk)

Verbs

办理 (to handle)

承运 (to carry/undertake transport)

运输 (to transport)

运送 (to deliver)

Adjectives

可托运的 (Checkable)

免费托运的 (Free-checked)

行李

航空

物流

柜台

海关

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in travel and business logistics.

Common Mistakes

Using 托运 for mailing a letter. → Using 寄 (jì).
Letters and small parcels are 'mailed' (寄), not 'consigned' (托运).
Saying '航空公司托运了我的行李' to mean 'I checked my bag'. → 我把行李托运了。
The airline 'carries' (承运) or 'receives' the bag; the passenger is the one who 'consigns' (托运) it.
Confusing 托运 with 寄存 (jìcún). → 托运 for shipping, 寄存 for temporary storage.
If you want to leave your bag in a locker for 2 hours, use 寄存.
Splitting 托 and 运 with an object. → Keep them together: 托运行李.
While some Chinese verbs are separable, 托运 is usually treated as a single unit.
Mispronouncing 运 as 'yun' (like 'sun'). → Pronounce it with the rounded 'ü' sound.
The 'u' in 'yun' is actually the 'ü' sound in Pinyin.

Tips

Check the weight

Always weigh your bags before you 托运 to avoid high overweight fees.

Use 'Bànlǐ'

Pairing 托运 with 办理 (bànlǐ) makes you sound much more fluent and professional.

No Batteries

Never 托运 lithium batteries; they are a fire hazard in the cargo hold.

Insurance

For expensive items, always ask for 保价 (bǎojià) when you 托运.

Spring Festival

Expect 托运 services to be extremely busy during Chinese New Year.

Antonym

Remember 手提 (shǒutí) is the opposite of 托运 in an airport context.

Stroke Order

The radical 辶 in 运 is always written last.

Tone check

Make sure 'tuo' is high and flat, not rising like a question.

Contracts

In business, always check the 托运人 liability clauses.

Survival Word

If you are lost at a huge Chinese airport, '托运' is one of the most useful words to know.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tuo' as 'Take it' and 'Yun' as 'Yonder'. You ask the airline to 'Take it Yonder' (Tuo Yun).

Visual Association

Imagine a hand (扌) holding up a suitcase and then placing it on a moving (辶) conveyor belt.

Word Web

行李机场航空公司重量超重免费柜台液体

Challenge

Go to a virtual airport simulator or a Chinese travel site (like Ctrip) and try to find the '行李托运' section. Read the weight limits.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '托' (tuō) dates back to the Han dynasty, meaning to hold something in the palm or entrust. '运' (yùn) originally meant to move a chariot or transport goods.

Original meaning: To entrust the movement of goods to someone else.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be aware that 托运 items are subject to strict security checks in China. Never agree to 托运 a bag for a stranger, as this is a major security risk.

English speakers use 'check in' for both people and bags. In Chinese, 办理登机 (bànlǐ dēngjī) is for people, and 托运 (tuōyùn) is specifically for the bags.

China Railway Express (中铁快运) SF Express Logistics Policies CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) luggage rules

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Airport Check-in

托运柜台
托运行李
超重费
免费额度

Moving House

家具托运
搬家公司
托运费用
上门取货

Pet Travel

宠物托运
检疫证明
航空箱
氧气舱

International Trade

货物托运
海运
空运
托运人

Online Shopping

物流托运
单号查询
运输中
送货上门

Conversation Starters

"请问，这件行李需要托运吗？"

"你的托运行李里有充电宝吗？"

"这家航空公司的免费托运额度是多少？"

"我想把这辆车托运到上海，怎么办理？"

"我的托运行李找不到了，我该去哪里投诉？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你在机场办理托运的经历。你遇到了什么困难吗？

如果你要搬家到另一个国家，你会选择托运哪些东西？为什么？

讨论一下你认为托运宠物的优缺点。

写一段关于物流托运对现代生活影响的文字。

如果你是机场工作人员，你会如何提醒乘客不要托运违禁品？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, power banks are strictly prohibited from being checked in (托运) on flights in China. They must be in your carry-on luggage.

It depends on the airline. Usually, for domestic Chinese flights, it is 20kg for economy class.

Yes, but only if you use the specific China Railway Express service. Most passengers carry their own bags onto the train.

Yes. 快递 is express delivery (like a parcel). 托运 is usually for larger items or luggage accompanying a traveler.

The term is 托运行李 (tuōyùn xínglǐ).

You should go to the 'Luggage Inquiry' (行李查询) desk and provide your 托运单 (receipt/tag).

Yes, but you must use the 宠物托运 service and provide health certificates.

Standard 托运 within the allowance is free. Overweight 托运 is very expensive.

You can say: '请问在哪里办理托运？'

It is the consignment note or waybill that serves as a receipt for your checked items.