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B2 adjective 9 min read

畅通

chàngtōng

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 畅通 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 畅通 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '畅通' often, but you might hear it. Think of it as a way to say a road is 'good' or 'open'. You can remember it as 'No traffic jam'. For example, if you are in a taxi, and the driver says '道路畅通' (dàolù chàngtōng), he means the road is clear and you will arrive quickly. It is a very positive word. You can imagine a green light. '畅' means happy and free, and '通' means to go through. So, '畅通' is 'happily going through' without stopping. Just focus on its use with 'traffic' (交通) for now. It's like the opposite of 'bad traffic' (堵车). When you see a road with no cars, you can point and say '畅通'.

At the A2 level, you can start using '畅通' to describe more than just roads. You can use it for 'communication' or 'pipes'. For example, if your internet is very fast and has no problems, you might hear someone say the '网络畅通' (wǎngluò chàngtōng). It means the 'net' is 'flowing'. You should also learn the phrase '畅通无阻' (chàngtōng wúzǔ), which means 'moving without any stopping'. If you have a VIP pass at a park, you are '畅通无阻'. Another common use is for breathing. If you have a cold and your nose is finally clear, you can say your breathing is '畅通'. It is a useful word to describe things that were once blocked but are now open and working well.

By B1, you should be comfortable using '畅通' in professional and daily contexts. You will notice it frequently in news reports about infrastructure. For example, '确保渠道畅通' (ensuring channels are clear) is a common phrase in business meetings. Here, 'channels' can mean ways to talk to the boss or ways to sell products. You should also understand its relationship with verbs like '保持' (bǎochí - to maintain). A common rule in buildings is '保持消防通道畅通' (keep fire exits clear). In this level, you start to see '畅通' as a sign of efficiency. If a system is '畅通', it is healthy and productive. You should also distinguish it from '顺利' (shùnlì), which is about events going well, while '畅通' is about the 'path' being clear.

At the B2 level, '畅通' becomes a tool for discussing abstract concepts and systemic efficiency. You will use it to describe economic cycles, such as '畅通国民经济循环' (ensuring the smooth flow of the national economic cycle). You are expected to use it accurately in writing to describe the flow of information, logic, or resources. You should understand the nuance between '畅通' and '流畅' (liúchàng). While '流畅' is for the beauty and grace of a flow (like music or writing), '畅通' is for the functional lack of obstruction in a system. You should also be able to use the word in the negative form '不畅通' to diagnose problems in a professional setting, such as '信息反馈不畅通' (feedback of information is not unobstructed/smooth).

At the C1 level, you should master the rhetorical and political uses of '畅通'. It is a key term in Chinese governance and corporate strategy. You will encounter it in complex texts about logistics, urban management, and social mobility. For example, '畅通社会上升通道' refers to ensuring that there are clear paths for people to move up in society (social mobility). You should be able to use it to describe the logical flow of a complex philosophical argument or the structural integrity of a large-scale project. Your usage should reflect an understanding of '畅通' as a prerequisite for '发展' (development). In high-level debates, you might use it to argue for the removal of bureaucratic 'bottlenecks' (瓶颈).

At the C2 level, '畅通' is a word you use with precision to discuss the 'meta-flow' of systems. You understand its historical and etymological roots, connecting '畅' to the idea of a 'long, uninhibited stretch' and '通' to the 'universal connection'. You can use it in literary or highly academic contexts to describe the 'unimpeded flow of the spirit' or 'cosmic harmony' (though this is rare, it's possible in philosophical discourse). You are perfectly aware of its placement in fixed four-character idioms beyond '畅通无阻', and you can deploy it to describe the ideal state of any complex network—be it neural, digital, or social. Your use of '畅通' signifies a deep appreciation for the Chinese value of 'harmony through flow'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

畅通 in 30 Seconds

畅通 describes a state where things flow freely without any blocks or congestion.
It is primarily used for traffic, pipes, breathing, and communication channels.
A common formal phrase is '保持畅通' (keep clear/unobstructed).
It carries a positive meaning of efficiency and systemic health.

The Chinese word 畅通 (chàngtōng) is an essential adjective used to describe a state where movement, flow, or communication is entirely unobstructed and proceeding without any hindrance. At its core, the word combines '畅' (chàng), which implies smoothness, freedom, and being uninhibited, with '通' (tōng), meaning to pass through or connect. When combined, they create a powerful descriptor for systems that are working exactly as intended, specifically in terms of throughput. Whether you are navigating the complex highway systems of Shanghai or ensuring that a corporate feedback loop is functioning correctly, '畅通' is the gold standard for efficiency.

Physical Infrastructure: In the context of urban planning and logistics, '畅通' describes roads without traffic jams, pipes without clogs, and airways without delays. It is the antonym of '堵塞' (dǔsè - blocked/congested).

春节期间，虽然出行人数众多，但高速公路依然保持畅通。 (During the Spring Festival, although there were many travelers, the highways remained unobstructed.)

Information Flow: Metaphorically, it refers to the clear and rapid transmission of ideas or data. If a company has '信息畅通' (unobstructed information), it means there are no bureaucratic bottlenecks preventing the right people from getting the right facts.

为了保证项目的成功，我们必须确保沟通渠道的畅通。 (To ensure the success of the project, we must ensure that communication channels are clear.)

In medical contexts, you might hear this word regarding breathing (呼吸畅通) or blood circulation. It signifies a healthy, natural state of the body's internal systems. In daily life, it is most frequently heard on radio traffic reports (交通畅通) or when discussing internet speeds and connectivity. It carries a positive connotation of reliability and functionality.

清理了积雪后，下山的小路终于畅通了。 (After clearing the snow, the path down the mountain was finally clear.)

Abstract Logic: Sometimes used to describe an argument or a train of thought that is logically sound and flows perfectly from one point to the next without contradictions.

他的逻辑非常畅通，让人无法反驳。 (His logic is very smooth/unobstructed, making it impossible to refute.)

保持呼吸道畅通是急救的第一步。 (Keeping the airway clear is the first step of first aid.)

Using 畅通 correctly requires understanding its role as a predicative adjective or a resultative state. It frequently follows verbs like '保持' (bǎochí - to maintain), '确保' (quèbǎo - to ensure), or '变得' (biànde - to become). It is rarely used to describe people's personalities, but rather the systems and paths people use. Below are the primary grammatical structures and contexts where '畅通' shines.

Subject + 畅通: This is the simplest form, stating that a specific route or channel is currently clear. Example: '道路畅通' (The road is clear).

虽然是高峰时段，但这条隧道的交通依然畅通无阻。 (Even though it's rush hour, traffic in this tunnel remains completely unobstructed.)

保持/确保 + (Object) + 畅通: This structure is common in instructions, rules, and professional goals. It emphasizes the effort to prevent blockages.

请保持消防通道畅通，严禁堆放杂物。 (Please keep the fire exit clear; stacking miscellaneous items is strictly prohibited.)

In technical settings, you will see '畅通' used to describe the state of networks or physical conduits. For instance, a plumber might say the drainage is '畅通' after a repair. A network engineer might use it to describe a low-latency connection with zero packet loss. The word implies a total lack of friction.

经过维修，大楼的排水系统已经恢复了畅通。 (After repairs, the building's drainage system has returned to being unobstructed.)

Resultative Usage: Using '通' as a result of an action often leads to the state of '畅通'. You might say '打通了' (opened up) to achieve '畅通'.

政府正在努力打通断头路，以实现整个城区的交通畅通。 (The government is working to connect dead-end roads to achieve smooth traffic across the entire urban area.)

只要有这本通行证，你就可以在各个区域畅通无阻。 (As long as you have this permit, you can move through all areas without hindrance.)

In daily life in China, 畅通 is a word that rings through speakers and appears on screens constantly. It is the language of efficiency and public service. If you live in a major city like Beijing or Shenzhen, you will hear it every single morning. It is a word that signifies that the gears of society are turning smoothly.

Radio and Navigation Apps: Traffic radio stations (交通广播) use this word every few minutes. Phrases like '全线畅通' (clear on the whole line) are music to the ears of commuters. Navigation apps like Gaode or Baidu Maps will announce that your route is '畅通'.

广播：现在京藏高速进京方向交通畅通，建议车主放心行驶。 (Broadcast: Traffic on the Jing-Zang Highway heading into Beijing is currently clear; drivers are advised to proceed with confidence.)

The Workplace and Management: In a corporate setting, managers talk about '畅通的反馈机制' (a smooth feedback mechanism). This implies that employees can speak to management without fear or red tape. It’s about the flow of power and communication.

公司需要建立更畅通的晋升渠道来留住人才。 (The company needs to establish smoother promotion channels to retain talent.)

You will also see it on posters in public spaces. Signs in subways or airports often remind passengers to '保持通道畅通' (keep aisles clear) for safety reasons. In news reports about natural disasters, the most critical piece of information is often whether the '生命通道' (life passage/emergency route) is '畅通'.

地震发生后，救援人员的首要任务是确保进入灾区的道路畅通。 (After the earthquake, the primary task of rescuers was to ensure the roads into the disaster area were clear.)

Customer Service: When a company promises '投诉渠道畅通' (unobstructed complaint channels), they are claiming that their customer service is accessible and responsive.

我们的热线电话24小时保持畅通，随时为您服务。 (Our hotline remains open 24 hours a day, ready to serve you at any time.)

下水道不畅通，可能是因为里面有头发。 (The drain isn't flowing smoothly; there might be hair inside.)

While 畅通 is a versatile word, English speakers often misapply it by confusing it with other 'smooth' or 'clear' words in Chinese. Understanding the limits of '畅通' is key to sounding like a native speaker. It is a word of 'flow' and 'passage', not necessarily 'ease' or 'flatness'.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '光滑' (guānghuá): '光滑' means smooth in terms of texture (like silk or a polished table). You cannot use '畅通' to describe the feel of a surface. '畅通' is about the internal space being clear for something to move through it.

Incorrect: 他的皮肤很畅通。 (His skin is very 'clear/unobstructed' - makes no sense.) Correct: 他的皮肤很光滑。

Mistake 2: Confusing with '顺利' (shùnlì): '顺利' means 'smoothly' in the sense of 'without problems' for an event or process (like a meeting or an exam). While '畅通' can describe a process, it is specifically about the *flow* of that process. If an exam goes well, it is '顺利', not '畅通'.

Incorrect: 考试很畅通。 (The exam was 'clear'?) Correct: 考试很顺利。

Another common error is using '畅通' to describe a person's speech. If someone speaks fluently, you should use '流利' (liúlì). If their speech is logical and easy to follow, you might use '顺畅' (shùnchàng), but '畅通' is usually reserved for the larger systems of communication rather than an individual's verbal performance.

Incorrect: 他的汉语说得很畅通。 Correct: 他的汉语说得很流利。

Mistake 3: Overusing it for 'Clear': In English, we say 'the sky is clear'. In Chinese, you use '晴朗' (qínglǎng). '畅通' is only for 'clear' in the sense of 'unblocked'.

Incorrect: 今天的天空很畅通。 Correct: 今天的天空很晴朗。

Finally, learners sometimes forget that '畅通' is an adjective that can also function as a verb in some contexts (to make something clear), but it's much safer to use it as an adjective or a resultative state. Stick to '保持...畅通' or '...畅通无阻' to avoid awkward phrasing.

Chinese has several words that overlap with 畅通. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a physical object, a feeling, or a process. Here is a breakdown of the most common synonyms and how they differ.

通畅 (tōngchàng) vs. 畅通 (chàngtōng): These two are incredibly similar and often interchangeable. However, '畅通' is more commonly used for traffic and information systems, while '通畅' is slightly more common for physical conduits like pipes or the human respiratory system. '畅通' feels more active and 'high-speed'.

他的呼吸变得通畅了。 (His breathing became clear.) vs. 交通非常畅通。 (Traffic is very smooth.)

顺畅 (shùnchàng): '顺畅' emphasizes the 'smoothness' and 'agreeableness' of a flow. It is often used for writing style or the execution of a plan. If a project goes without a hitch, it is '顺畅'.

这篇文章写得很顺畅。 (This article is written very smoothly.)

流畅 (liúchàng): '流畅' is typically used for things that 'flow' artistically or naturally, like music, lines in a drawing, or a computer's user interface. It focuses on the aesthetic quality of the movement.

这部手机的操作界面非常流畅。 (The operating interface of this phone is very fluid/smooth.)

流通 (liútōng): '流通' is a specific term for the circulation of money, goods, or air. It describes the act of moving around a system rather than the 'clearness' of the path.

货币在市场上快速流通。 (Currency circulates rapidly in the market.)

By choosing the right word from this family, you demonstrate a deep understanding of Chinese nuance. '畅通' remains the most formal and powerful choice for systemic health and efficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '畅' contains the 'field' (田) and 'sun/expand' (申) components, suggesting a sun shining over a wide field where everything grows freely.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃɑːŋ tʊŋ/

US /tʃɑŋ tʊŋ/

In Chinese, both syllables are equally weighted, but the tone movement defines the emphasis.

Rhymes With

放 (fàng) 唱 (chàng) 空 (kōng) 红 (hóng) 中 (zhōng) 忙 (máng) 广 (guǎng) 同 (tóng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chàng' with a flat tone like 'tōng'.
Mixing up 'chàng' (畅) with 'cháng' (长 - long).
Failing to make the 'ng' sound clear at the end of both syllables.
Pronouncing 'tōng' as 'tǒng' (bucket).
Confusing the initial 'ch' with 'zh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially in news headlines.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the '畅' character which has many strokes.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the falling and high-level tones.

Listening 2/5

Very common in traffic reports and public announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

交通 (jiāotōng) 通过 (tōngguò) 道路 (dàolù) 沟通 (gōutōng) 保持 (bǎochí)

Learn Next

疏通 (shūtōng) 滞碍 (zhì'ài) 流通 (liútōng) 循环 (xúnhuán) 瓶颈 (píngjǐng)

Advanced

豁然开朗 (huòrán kāilǎng) 融会贯通 (rónghuì guàntōng) 政通人和 (zhèngtōng rénhé)

Grammar to Know

Using '保持' (Maintain) with adjectives of state.

请保持环境整洁。 / 请保持通道畅通。

The 'Verb + 得 + Adjective' structure for description.

他跑得很快。 / 交通运行得非常畅通。

Negative form '不' + Adjective.

这里的路不畅通。

Using '无阻' (without hindrance) as a suffix for emphasis.

畅通无阻 / 通行无阻

Adjectives as attributes with '的'.

畅通的道路 / 畅通的渠道

Examples by Level

这里的交通很畅通。

The traffic here is very smooth.

Subject (交通) + Adverb (很) + Adjective (畅通).

路通了，很畅通。

The road is open; it's very clear.

Simple state description.

今天开车很畅通。

Driving today is very smooth (no traffic).

Describes the experience of an action.

不堵车，交通畅通。

No traffic jam, traffic is unobstructed.

Contrast with '堵车'.

这条路畅通吗？

Is this road clear?

Question form using '吗'.

现在去机场很畅通。

Going to the airport now is very smooth.

Time + Action + State.

周末的路也很畅通。

The roads are also clear on weekends.

Use of '也' for addition.

你看，交通多畅通！

Look, how smooth the traffic is!

Exclamatory using '多'.

感冒好了，呼吸畅通了。

The cold is gone; breathing is clear now.

Used for biological flow.

我们要保持通道畅通。

We need to keep the passage clear.

Verb (保持) + Object + Adjective.

这里的网络非常畅通。

The network here is very unobstructed/fast.

Used for digital flow.

这根水管现在畅通了。

This water pipe is clear now.

Used for physical conduits.

他畅通无阻地进入了办公室。

He entered the office without any hindrance.

Idiom '畅通无阻' used as an adverbial.

请确保电话畅通。

Please ensure the phone line is clear.

Verb (确保) + Object + Adjective.

消息传得很畅通。

The news spread very smoothly.

Verb + '得' + Adjective.

这条小河的水流很畅通。

The water flow of this small river is very smooth.

Used for natural flow.

为了安全，消防通道必须畅通。

For safety, fire exits must be clear.

Modal verb (必须) + Adjective.

公司内部的沟通非常畅通。

Internal communication in the company is very smooth.

Abstract usage for social systems.

我们要打通这条路，让交通畅通。

We need to open this road to make traffic smooth.

Resultative relationship.

这个反馈渠道一直很畅通。

This feedback channel has always been very clear.

Professional context.

血管畅通对健康很重要。

Unobstructed blood vessels are important for health.

Medical/Biological context.

只要有票，你就可以畅通无阻。

As long as you have a ticket, you can pass through without hindrance.

Conditional sentence.

大雨过后，排水系统依然畅通。

After the heavy rain, the drainage system remained clear.

Infrastructure context.

信息畅通是成功的关键。

Smooth information flow is the key to success.

Abstract noun-like usage.

建立畅通的融资渠道对小企业至关重要。

Establishing smooth financing channels is vital for small businesses.

Attribute usage (畅通的...).

我们要确保政令畅通。

We must ensure that government decrees are implemented without hindrance.

Political/Administrative jargon.

这条物流线路已经全面畅通。

This logistics route is now fully operational and clear.

Logistics context.

如果沟通不畅通，项目就会延期。

If communication is not smooth, the project will be delayed.

Negative form '不畅通' in a conditional.

保持思路畅通，才能写出好文章。

Only by keeping your thoughts flowing can you write a good article.

Used for mental processes.

该地区的贸易往来十分畅通。

Trade relations in this region are very smooth.

Economic context.

解决这个问题后，整个流程就畅通了。

After solving this problem, the whole process became smooth.

Process management.

我们要畅通民意表达的渠道。

We must ensure that channels for expressing public opinion are unobstructed.

Social/Political context.

畅通国民经济循环是当前的首要任务。

Ensuring the smooth flow of the national economic cycle is the current priority.

High-level economic policy language.

体制机制的障碍被清除后，人才流动更加畅通。

After institutional barriers were removed, the flow of talent became smoother.

Sociological/Institutional context.

他试图通过各种关系畅通自己的仕途。

He tried to smooth his career path through various connections.

Metaphorical use for career paths.

我们要畅通城乡要素双向流动机制。

We must smooth the mechanism for the two-way flow of factors between urban and rural areas.

Academic/Policy language.

这篇文章逻辑严密，气脉畅通。

This article has tight logic and a smooth flow of spirit/energy.

Literary criticism.

为了应对危机，必须确保指挥体系的畅通。

To deal with the crisis, the command system must remain unobstructed.

Strategic/Military context.

通过技术升级，我们实现了数据的实时畅通。

Through technical upgrades, we achieved real-time data flow.

Advanced technical context.

司法救济渠道的畅通是法治社会的标志。

Unobstructed channels for judicial relief are a hallmark of a society ruled by law.

Legal/Political philosophy.

在宏观调控下，资本的跨境流动日益畅通。

Under macro-control, the cross-border flow of capital is becoming increasingly smooth.

Global finance terminology.

这种哲学思想强调人与自然的感应畅通。

This philosophy emphasizes the unobstructed resonance between man and nature.

Philosophical/Spiritual context.

我们要打破行政垄断，畅通全国统一大市场。

We must break administrative monopolies and ensure the smooth flow of a unified national market.

Policy/Economic theory.

该剧本的情节推进极其畅通，毫无滞涩之感。

The plot progression of this script is extremely smooth, with no sense of stagnation.

Artistic/Narrative critique.

通过神经递质的传递，大脑内部的信息得以畅通。

Through the transmission of neurotransmitters, information within the brain flows smoothly.

Scientific/Biological context.

政府致力于畅通群众诉求表达渠道，化解社会矛盾。

The government is committed to smoothing channels for the public to express their demands and resolve social conflicts.

Governance/Social stability jargon.

只有血脉畅通，文化传统才能代代相传。

Only if the bloodline (cultural lineage) is unobstructed can traditions be passed down.

Metaphorical/Cultural context.

在量子纠缠的状态下，信息的传递似乎是瞬间畅通的。

In a state of quantum entanglement, the transmission of information seems to be instantaneously clear.

Advanced physics context.

Common Collocations

交通畅通

保持畅通

呼吸畅通

信息畅通

渠道畅通

网络畅通

逻辑畅通

政令畅通

排水畅通

全线畅通

Common Phrases

畅通无阻

— To proceed without any obstacles. Often used for travel or progress.

有了这张通行证，你可以畅通无阻。

一路畅通

— Smooth travel all the way. A common wish for someone starting a journey.

祝你一路畅通，早日到达。

保持沟通畅通

— Keep communication lines open. Very common in project management.

在合作中，保持沟通畅通很重要。

生命通道畅通

— The emergency/rescue route is clear. Used in disaster relief.

救援队确保了生命通道的畅通。

言路畅通

— Freedom of speech/expression is unobstructed. A formal political term.

我们要广开言路，确保言路畅通。

融资渠道畅通

— Clear paths for getting loans or investment.

政府正在努力畅通企业的融资渠道。

贸易畅通

— Unobstructed trade between regions or countries.

贸易畅通是“一带一路”倡议的重要目标。

思路畅通

— Clear thinking; one's thoughts are flowing well.

休息一会儿，你的思路会更畅通。

网络连接畅通

— Internet connection is stable and clear.

请检查网络连接是否畅通。

物流畅通

— Unobstructed logistics and delivery systems.

疫情期间，保持物流畅通非常困难。

Often Confused With

畅通 vs 通畅

Almost identical, but '通畅' is slightly more common for physical pipes/breathing, while '畅通' is more common for traffic/systems.

畅通 vs 顺利

'顺利' is for events going well; '畅通' is for the path being clear.

畅通 vs 流利

'流利' is only for speaking a language; '畅通' is for systems.

Idioms & Expressions

"畅通无阻"

— Unobstructed; moving forward without any hindrance.

我们的计划在董事会畅通无阻地通过了。

Neutral

"通达畅茂"

— Refers to both being unobstructed and flourishing (often for plants or culture).

这里的草木通达畅茂。

Literary

"上下畅通"

— Communication between high and low levels (e.g., government and people) is clear.

建立一个上下畅通的制度是很有必要的。

Formal

"心气畅通"

— To feel relaxed and happy (one's internal energy flows well).

听了这首歌，我觉得心气畅通了不少。

Colloquial

"货畅其流"

— Goods flow freely to where they are needed (an economic ideal).

只有货畅其流，市场才会繁荣。

Academic

"政通人和"

— The government is efficient (unobstructed) and the people are in harmony.

这个小镇政通人和，生活很安稳。

Formal/Literary

"一通百通"

— Once you understand the key principle, everything else becomes clear.

学数学要讲究方法，一通百通。

Neutral

"顺理成章"

— Follows logically; smooth flow of reasoning.

他的晋升是顺理成章的事。

Neutral

"水到渠成"

— When conditions are ripe, success comes naturally (like water flowing in a channel).

只要努力，成功自然水到渠成。

Neutral

"无往不利"

— To be successful everywhere; to move forward without hindrance.

他凭着聪明才智，在商场上无往不利。

Neutral

Easily Confused

畅通 vs 流畅

Both mean 'smooth'.

流畅 is for aesthetic flow (writing, music, UI); 畅通 is for functional unblocked paths (roads, pipes).

他的动作很流畅。 / 这条路很畅通。

畅通 vs 流通

Both involve things moving.

流通 is the act of circulating (money, air); 畅通 is the state of the path being clear.

货币在流通。 / 贸易渠道畅通。

畅通 vs 顺利

Both imply 'no problems'.

顺利 refers to the success of an event; 畅通 refers to the lack of physical or systemic blocks.

祝你手术顺利。 / 确保呼吸道畅通。

畅通 vs 贯通

Both involve 'passing through'.

贯通 means connected from start to finish; 畅通 means the passage is currently clear.

隧道已经贯通。 / 隧道内交通畅通。

畅通 vs 顺畅

Very similar meaning.

顺畅 focuses on the ease and lack of friction; 畅通 focuses on the total absence of obstacles.

沟通很顺畅。 / 交通很畅通。

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 很 + 畅通。

路很畅通。

保持 + Object + 畅通。

保持电话畅通。

确保 + Object + 畅通。

我们要确保渠道畅通。

建立 + 畅通的 + Noun。

建立畅通的反馈机制。

畅通 + Abstract Noun + 循环/机制。

畅通国民经济循环。

Subject + 畅通无阻。

物流畅通无阻。

如果...不畅通，就...。

如果沟通不畅通，工作就很难做。

Time + 交通 + 畅通。

现在交通很畅通。

Word Family

Nouns

通畅性 (tōngchàngxìng - patency/unobstructedness)

Verbs

打通 (dǎtōng - to open up/unblock)

疏通 (shūtōng - to dredge/clear up)

Adjectives

顺畅 (shùnchàng - smooth)

流畅 (liúchàng - fluid)

通畅 (tōngchàng - clear)

交通 (jiāotōng)

沟通 (gōutōng)

通过 (tōngguò)

畅快 (chàngkuài)

畅谈 (chàngtán)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in news and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 畅通 to describe a person's character. → He is very open-minded (他很开朗).
畅通 is for systems and paths, not people's personalities.
Using 畅通 for language fluency. → He speaks Chinese fluently (他说汉语很流利).
畅通 is for physical or abstract flow, not linguistic performance.
Using 畅通 for a clear sky. → The sky is clear (天气很晴朗).
畅通 means 'unobstructed', not 'without clouds'.
Saying 'The road is 畅通' when it's just 'open'. → The road is open (路开通了).
畅通 implies a high quality of flow; 开通 just means it's no longer closed.
Confusing 畅通 with 顺利 in exams. → The exam went smoothly (考试很顺利).
顺利 is for events; 畅通 is for the passage of things through a system.

Tips

Use with '保持'

Always pair '畅通' with '保持' (bǎochí) when giving instructions or setting rules about keeping paths clear.

Traffic Context

If you are in a taxi, listening for '畅通' on the radio will tell you if your journey will be fast.

Professional Tone

In business emails, use '保持沟通畅通' to sound professional and cooperative.

Tone Accuracy

Ensure 'chàng' has a strong falling tone. If you say it with a flat tone, it might be confused with other words.

Master '畅通无阻'

This four-character idiom is a great way to boost your HSK level score in writing and speaking.

Medical Use

When talking to a doctor about breathing or digestion, '不畅通' is a useful way to describe a 'blocked' feeling.

Network Status

Use '网络畅通' to describe a stable connection during online meetings.

Economic Flow

Understanding '畅通' helps you understand Chinese news reports about 'Internal Circulation' and economic development.

Fire Safety

Look for the characters '消防通道严禁占用保持畅通' on buildings to know where the fire exits are.

Visualizing Flow

Visualize water flowing through a wide pipe. That 'lack of resistance' is exactly what '畅通' feels like.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a **CH**arging **ANG**ry bull (Chàng) that finds a **TONG**ue-shaped road (Tōng) that is perfectly clear. No traffic, just flow!

Visual Association

Imagine a green highway sign with an arrow pointing straight through a tunnel. There are no other cars. The air is clear.

Word Web

Roads Internet Breathing Pipes Communication Efficiency Flow Clear

Challenge

Try to use '畅通' in three different contexts today: once for your commute, once for your internet speed, and once for a conversation you had.

Word Origin

The word '畅通' is a compound of two characters dating back to ancient Chinese. '畅' (chàng) originally referred to the uninhibited growth of plants or the free flow of spirit. '通' (tōng) depicted a path or road that connects two points.

Original meaning: To pass through freely and happily.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to describe people's physical appearance as it sounds mechanical.

English speakers might say 'clear', 'smooth', or 'unclogged'. '畅通' is slightly more formal than these and is used more frequently in news and official signs.

The 'Green Channel' (绿色通道) policy in China is designed to ensure '畅通' for essential goods. Traffic radio stations often have '畅通' in their names (e.g., 畅通104). Economic policies like the 'Internal Circulation' (国内大循环) rely on '畅通'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving/Navigation

前方路段畅通
避开拥堵，保持畅通
交通状况畅通
一路畅通无阻

Medical/Health

呼吸道保持畅通
血管是否畅通
气血畅通
经络畅通

Business/Management

沟通渠道畅通
信息反馈畅通
融资渠道畅通
业务流程畅通

Infrastructure

排水管道畅通
消防通道畅通
物流线路畅通
电力传输畅通

Internet/Tech

网络连接畅通
数据流向畅通
系统运行畅通
信号保持畅通

Conversation Starters

"你觉得现在的交通畅通吗？"

"在你们公司，员工和老板的沟通畅通吗？"

"如果网络不畅通，你会怎么办？"

"你认为保持思路畅通的最好方法是什么？"

"在你的城市，哪些路段经常不畅通？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你经历过的、最畅通无阻的旅行。

写一写为什么在团队工作中，保持信息畅通是如此重要。

如果你是一家之主，你会如何确保家庭成员之间的沟通畅通？

讨论一下城市排水系统畅通对预防洪水的作用。

描述当你思路畅通时，你的写作或学习状态是怎样的。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use '流利' (liúlì) for language fluency. '畅通' is used for roads, pipes, and communication systems, not individual speaking skills.

They are mostly interchangeable. However, '畅通' is preferred for traffic and abstract systems (like economy), while '通畅' is often used for biological or physical conduits like breathing or plumbing.

It is neutral to formal. You will hear it in daily life talking about traffic, but it is also a key term in government reports and business meetings.

You would say '道路不畅通' (dàolù bù chàngtōng). However, it's more common to say '道路堵塞' (dàolù dǔsè) or '堵车' (dǔchē) for a total block.

No. For a clear sky, use '晴朗' (qínglǎng). '畅通' is only for 'clear' in the sense of 'unobstructed flow'.

Yes, it is extremely common. It means 'to proceed without any hindrance' and can be used for travel, projects, or even a person's career.

Usually it is an adjective. To use it as a verb (to make something clear), you would say '疏通' (shūtōng) or '打通' (dǎtōng).

Yes! '网络畅通' is a very common way to say the internet is working well and is fast.

No, it is almost always positive, as it implies efficiency and safety.

The most direct opposites are '堵塞' (dǔsè - blocked) and '中断' (zhōngduàn - interrupted).