Gonglu refers to any state-maintained public road or highway used for intercity transportation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Public road connecting cities or rural areas for motor vehicles.
- A formal term for intercity or suburban transport routes.
- Essential infrastructure for logistics and personal travel.
Overview
“公路”是一个核心的交通词汇，由“公”（公共、国家所有）和“路”（道路）两个字组成。在现代汉语中，它主要指城际之间或城乡之间供轮式车辆通行的宽阔道路。1) 概况：公路是国家基础设施的重要组成部分，其规模和质量通常反映了一个地区的经济发展水平。2) 用法模式：它常与量词“条”搭配，如“一条公路”。在动词方面，常与“修建”、“通往”、“穿越”等词连用。3) 常见语境：在描述旅行、物流运输、地理位置连接以及政府规划时经常出现。例如，在新闻报道中讨论“公路建设”，或在日常生活中提到“自驾游走公路”。4) 同类词比较：“公路”与“马路”的区别在于，“马路”多指城市内部的街道，带有更浓的生活气息和非正式色彩；而“公路”更具技术性和行政性，侧重于长距离的联络线。此外，“高速公路”是公路的一种特殊、高级形式，具有全封闭、限速高等特点，而“公路”则是一个包含普通路段和高速路段的广义词。
Examples
这条公路一直通向山顶。
everydayThis highway leads all the way to the top of the mountain.
国家将加大对西部公路建设的投入。
formalThe state will increase investment in highway construction in the west.
公路上车很多，开慢点。
informalThere are many cars on the road, drive slowly.
公路运输是该地区主要的物流方式。
academicRoad transportation is the main logistics method in this region.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
国道
National Highway
公路桥
Highway bridge
柏油公路
Asphalt road
Often Confused With
'Malu' is more colloquial and usually refers to streets within a city; 'Gonglu' is more formal and refers to intercity roads.
'Tielu' is specifically for trains (railway), while 'Gonglu' is for cars and buses.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'gonglu' is neutral and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. In formal documents, it is the standard term for road infrastructure. In daily life, it specifically evokes the image of a long, open road outside of a city center.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 'gonglu' to describe a small lane (hutong) or a pedestrian-only street. Another error is calling a railway a 'gonglu', which is incorrect as 'gonglu' strictly refers to roads for rubber-tired vehicles.
Tips
Distinguish between Highway and City Street
Use 'gonglu' when talking about travel between cities and 'malu' or 'jiedao' for streets within a city.
Avoid confusing with paths
Do not use 'gonglu' for small walking paths or hiking trails; it implies a road for motorized vehicles.
Symbol of Modern Development
In China, the rapid expansion of the 'gonglu' network is a key symbol of national economic modernization.
Word Origin
The term combines 'Gong' (public/official) and 'Lu' (road), reflecting the modern era where the state took responsibility for building standardized roads for motor vehicles.
Cultural Context
In China, the phrase '要想富，先修路' (To get rich, build roads first) highlights the cultural and economic importance of 'gonglu' in poverty alleviation and development.
Memory Tip
Remember 'Gong' means 'Public' (like in Gongyuan/Park) and 'Lu' means 'Road'. It's the 'Public Road' for everyone's cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“公路”通常指连接城市间的长途道路，较正式；“马路”多指城市里的街道，在口语中更常用。
“高速公路”是“公路”的一种，专指高标准、全封闭、供汽车高速行驶的特定道路。
一般不这么叫。城市里的路通常称为“街道”或“马路”，除非是贯穿城市的国道或环路。
不可以。“公路”专指供汽车行驶的路，火车行驶的路必须称为“铁路”。
Test Yourself
这条新修的___缩短了两个城市之间的车程。
“公路”是连接城市供汽车行驶的道路，符合句意。
长途驾驶通常发生在“公路”上。
有很多 / 公路上 / 正在 / 汽车 / 行驶
标准的汉语语序是：地点 + 有 + 主语 + 正在 + 动作。
Score: /3
Summary
Gonglu refers to any state-maintained public road or highway used for intercity transportation.
- Public road connecting cities or rural areas for motor vehicles.
- A formal term for intercity or suburban transport routes.
- Essential infrastructure for logistics and personal travel.
Distinguish between Highway and City Street
Use 'gonglu' when talking about travel between cities and 'malu' or 'jiedao' for streets within a city.
Avoid confusing with paths
Do not use 'gonglu' for small walking paths or hiking trails; it implies a road for motorized vehicles.
Symbol of Modern Development
In China, the rapid expansion of the 'gonglu' network is a key symbol of national economic modernization.
Examples
4 of 4这条公路一直通向山顶。
This highway leads all the way to the top of the mountain.
国家将加大对西部公路建设的投入。
The state will increase investment in highway construction in the west.
公路上车很多，开慢点。
There are many cars on the road, drive slowly.
公路运输是该地区主要的物流方式。
Road transportation is the main logistics method in this region.
