流通

• Pinyin: liú tōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 流 = 氵(water) + 㐬 (flow); 通 = 辶 (walk) + 甬 (path), passing through

Meaning

To circulate; circulation. The movement of goods, money, or information through a system.

Often used in economic contexts for the circulation of currency, goods, or commodities. Also applies to the spread of ideas or information. Implies a systematic or widespread movement through channels.

Examples

1. 市场经济的关键在于商品的自由流通。 The key to a market economy is the free circulation of goods.
2. 这种旧版人民币已经停止流通了。 This old version of the RMB has stopped circulating.
3. 互联网加速了信息的流通速度。 The internet has accelerated the speed of information circulation.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, commerce, currency

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 货币流通是经济运行的基础。(Currency circulation is the foundation of economic operation.)
• 假币一旦流通会造成严重后果。(Counterfeit money in circulation causes serious consequences.)

Don't Say

• 我的想法在朋友间流通。(For ideas spreading casually, use 传播 — 流通 implies systematic economic circulation)

Origin & History

流 (liú, flow) + 通 (tōng, pass through). Flowing through or passing circulation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal