通信

• Pinyin: tōng xìn
• Hanzi breakdown: 通 = 辶 (movement) + 甬 (path, phonetic); 信 = 亻 (person) + 言 (speech)

Meaning

Communication; correspondence. The exchange of information between people, especially through letters, phone, or electronic means.

Covers both traditional correspondence (letters) and modern telecommunications. Commonly appears in compounds like 通信技术 (communication technology), 通信地址 (mailing address), and 移动通信 (mobile communication). Slightly more formal than 联系.

Examples

1. 现在的通信方式越来越方便了。 Nowadays, methods of communication are becoming more and more convenient.
2. 他们经常通过网络通信。 They often communicate through the internet.
3. 请把你的通信地址告诉我。 Please tell me your mailing address.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, everyday, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 手机让通信变得很方便。(Mobile phones have made communication very convenient.)
• 他在一家通信公司工作。(He works at a telecommunications company.)

Don't Say

• 我和朋友通信了一顿饭的事。(Don't use 通信 for casual chatting about plans — use 联系 or 商量 instead. 通信 implies more formal or distant communication.)

Origin & History

通 (to pass through; to connect) + 信 (letter; message; trust). Together they mean 'to pass messages' or the act of exchanging correspondence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal