Accessible and easily understood by ordinary people, bridging the gap between complexity and the masses.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Easy to understand for the general public.
- Focuses on accessibility and clarity.
- Common in literature, language, and knowledge sharing.
Overview
“通俗”是一个形容词，用来描述那些不艰深、不晦涩、易于被大众理解和接受的事物。它强调的是一种普及性、大众化和易懂的特质。当一个事物被认为是“通俗”的，意味着它能够跨越知识、文化或专业领域的壁垒，被更广泛的人群所理解和欣赏。这通常体现在语言的简洁明了、内容的贴近生活、形式的易于接受等方面。
“通俗”常用来修饰名词，如“通俗读物”、“通俗歌曲”、“通俗语言”、“通俗文化”等。它也可以作为形容词短语的一部分，例如“写得非常通俗”、“讲得通俗易懂”。在否定句中，它也可以用来强调某事物的不通俗，如“这部作品过于专业，不够通俗”。
**文化现象**：描述那些在社会上广泛流行并被大众普遍接受的文化形式，如“通俗文化”、“通俗音乐”。
“普及”更侧重于事物的广泛传播和覆盖面，强调的是“有多少人知道或接触到”。而“通俗”则侧重于事物的易懂性和可接受性，强调的是“有多少人能理解和接受”。一个事物可以很普及但不一定通俗（例如，某些专业领域的知识可能普及到一定程度，但内容本身不通俗），反之亦然，一个事物可能内容通俗，但尚未得到广泛普及。
“流行”强调的是事物在某个时期或群体中的受欢迎程度和传播速度，即“有多少人在追捧”。“通俗”则强调的是易于理解和接受的本质。流行事物往往是通俗的，因为它们容易被大众接受，但并非所有通俗的事物都是流行的，也可能有些通俗的东西因为其他原因（如缺乏推广）而不流行。
“浅显”有时带有贬义，暗示内容过于简单，缺乏深度。而“通俗”通常是中性或褒义的，它强调的是在不牺牲必要信息和准确性的前提下，做到易于理解，有时甚至包含着一种将复杂问题简单化的智慧和能力。
Examples
这本书用非常通俗的语言解释了量子力学，即使是初学者也能看懂。
everydayThis book explains quantum mechanics in very accessible language, understandable even for beginners.
为了让更多市民了解城市规划，政府发布了一系列通俗的宣传册。
formalTo help more citizens understand urban planning, the government released a series of easy-to-understand brochures.
他讲笑话总是那么通俗，大家听了都哈哈大笑。
informalHis jokes are always so down-to-earth/relatable, everyone laughs heartily when they hear them.
该研究报告旨在将复杂的经济模型以通俗的方式呈现给非专业人士。
academicThe research report aims to present complex economic models in an accessible manner to non-specialists.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
通俗易懂
easy to understand and clear
通俗文学
popular literature
通俗讲座
popular lecture
Often Confused With
'普及' (pǔjí) means to make widespread or popularize. It focuses on the reach and availability of something. '通俗' (tōngsú) focuses on the ease of understanding. Something can be popular (普及) but not easy to understand, or easy to understand (通俗) but not yet widespread.
'流行' (liúxíng) means fashionable or popular at a certain time. It emphasizes current trends and acceptance by many. While often related, '通俗' is about inherent understandability, not necessarily about being trendy or currently popular.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '通俗' is generally positive, implying clarity and accessibility. It's often used to praise content or explanations that effectively bridge the gap between experts and the general public. Avoid using it in contexts where complexity or specialized knowledge is intentionally required and valued.
Common Mistakes
Confusing '通俗' with '浅显' (qiǎnxiǎn) which can sometimes imply a lack of depth or substance. '通俗' aims for clarity without necessarily sacrificing important information. Also, mistaking '通俗' solely for '流行' (popular), as something can be easily understood without being currently fashionable.
Tips
Embrace Simplicity and Clarity
When aiming for '通俗', focus on using straightforward language and relatable examples. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentence structures.
Avoid Oversimplification
While '通俗' means easy to understand, it doesn't mean dumbing down. Ensure accuracy and retain essential information, rather than sacrificing depth entirely.
Cultural Resonance Matters
Content that is '通俗' often taps into shared cultural experiences or common knowledge, making it more accessible and resonant with a broader audience.
Word Origin
The character '通' (tōng) means to pass through, connect, or understand. '俗' (sú) means common, popular, or vulgar. Together, '通俗' literally suggests something that allows common people to pass through or understand easily.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, there's a value placed on clear communication and making knowledge accessible. '通俗' reflects this ideal, particularly in education, media, and public discourse, aiming to empower a wider population through understanding.
Memory Tip
Think of '通俗' as 'common passage' (通=pass, 俗=common). It's like a clear path that many people can easily pass through, unlike a difficult, specialized trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“大众化”强调的是面向大众、服务大众，使事物能够被更多人所接触和使用。“通俗”则更侧重于内容的易懂性和接受度。两者常有关联，大众化的事物往往是通俗的，但“通俗”本身更强调理解的容易程度。
“通俗”通常是中性或褒义词。它表示内容或表达方式清晰易懂，能够被广泛接受。在某些语境下，如果用来形容本应严肃或专业的讨论过于简单化，也可能带有一点轻微的贬义，但这种情况较少见。
“通俗”经常用于描述文学作品（如通俗小说）、语言表达（如通俗易懂的解释）、知识传播（如通俗读物、科普文章）以及文化现象（如通俗音乐、通俗文化）等。
判断一个事物是否通俗，可以看它是否使用了大量专业术语或晦涩的表达，内容是否贴近普通人的生活经验，以及是否容易被没有相关背景知识的人理解。如果答案大部分是肯定的，那么它就是通俗的。
Test Yourself
这位科学家善于用______的语言向公众解释复杂的科学理论。
句子描述的是科学家将复杂理论解释给公众听，需要易于理解的语言，因此“通俗”最合适。
哪种类型的读物最符合“通俗”的特点？
选项c描述的小说语言简单、情节贴近生活，容易被大众理解和接受，符合“通俗”的定义。
将以下词语组成一个句子：作品、通俗、需要、更、读者、一些、面向。
句子“这部作品需要面向更通俗的读者”表达了作品应具备易懂性以吸引更广泛的读者群，逻辑清晰。
Score: /3
Summary
Accessible and easily understood by ordinary people, bridging the gap between complexity and the masses.
- Easy to understand for the general public.
- Focuses on accessibility and clarity.
- Common in literature, language, and knowledge sharing.
Embrace Simplicity and Clarity
When aiming for '通俗', focus on using straightforward language and relatable examples. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentence structures.
Avoid Oversimplification
While '通俗' means easy to understand, it doesn't mean dumbing down. Ensure accuracy and retain essential information, rather than sacrificing depth entirely.
Cultural Resonance Matters
Content that is '通俗' often taps into shared cultural experiences or common knowledge, making it more accessible and resonant with a broader audience.
Examples
4 of 4这本书用非常通俗的语言解释了量子力学，即使是初学者也能看懂。
This book explains quantum mechanics in very accessible language, understandable even for beginners.
为了让更多市民了解城市规划，政府发布了一系列通俗的宣传册。
To help more citizens understand urban planning, the government released a series of easy-to-understand brochures.
他讲笑话总是那么通俗，大家听了都哈哈大笑。
His jokes are always so down-to-earth/relatable, everyone laughs heartily when they hear them.
该研究报告旨在将复杂的经济模型以通俗的方式呈现给非专业人士。
The research report aims to present complex economic models in an accessible manner to non-specialists.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
