Meaning of 通道
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- (communications) channel
- thoroughfare
- passage
How to use 通道
通道 is used for physical passages such as walkways, corridors, and lanes, and also for abstract channels of communication or trade. You often see it on signs like 安全通道 (ānquán tōngdào, emergency exit route). Example: 请不要在通道里放东西。(Qǐng bú yào zài tōngdào lǐ fàng dōngxi.) Please do not leave things in the passageway.
通 (tōng) means to go through without blocking, and 道 (dào) means a road or way. A 通道 is a way you can pass through, like a corridor, passage, or channel.
Common mistake: Learners sometimes confuse 通道 with 通过 (tōngguò). 通道 is a noun meaning a passage, while 通过 is a verb meaning to pass through, so say 通过通道 (pass through the passage), not the reverse. Also keep 道 in the fourth tone. It is not neutral here as it often is in 知道 (zhīdao).
通道 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
通 tōng · to go through · 10 strokes
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道 dào · road · 12 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 通道.
| 知道 | zhīdào | to know; to become aware of; also pr. [zhi1dao5] |
| 通过 | tōngguò | to pass through; to get through; to adopt (a resolution); to pass (legislation) |
| 通知 | tōngzhī | to notify; to inform |
| 味道 | wèidào | flavor; taste; (fig.) feeling (of ...); sense (of ...); hint (of ...) |
| 普通 | pǔtōng | common; ordinary |
| 道理 | dàolǐ | reason; argument |
| 道路 | dàolù | road; path |
| 交通 | jiāotōng | to be connected; traffic |
| 普通话 | pǔtōnghuà | Putonghua; standard Mandarin |
| 难道 | nándào | don't tell me ...; could it be that...? |
| 通常 | tōngcháng | regular; usual; normal; usually; normally |
| 报道 | bàodào | to report (news); report |
Questions about 通道
What does 通道 mean?
通道 (tōngdào) means "(communications) channel; thoroughfare" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 通道?
通道 is made of 2 characters: 通 (10 strokes), 道 (12 strokes). That is 22 strokes in total.
Is 通道 an HSK word?
Yes. 通道 is on the HSK 6 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 通道 and 走廊?
走廊 (zǒuláng) specifically means a hallway or corridor inside a building. 通道 is broader and covers any passage, lane, or channel, including outdoor routes and abstract channels like 沟通通道 (communication channel).
Can 通道 mean a TV or audio channel?
In technical contexts, yes. 通道 can refer to a signal or audio channel, as in 左声道 vs 通道 settings on equipment. A TV channel you watch is usually 频道 (píndào), not 通道.