通讯

• Pinyin: tōng xùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 通 = 辶 (movement) + 甬 (path); 讯 = 讠(speech) + 卂 (swift)

Meaning

Communication; correspondence; news dispatch. Refers to the exchange of information via various media or the news reports sent by journalists.

Used both for modern telecommunications (mobile communications, satellite communications) and traditional correspondence. In journalism, 通讯 specifically refers to detailed news reports or feature stories, as opposed to brief news items.

Examples

1. 手机信号不好，通讯经常中断，工作效率都受影响了。 The phone signal is bad and communication often gets interrupted, which affects work efficiency.
2. 这位驻外记者发回了一篇关于当地选举的长篇通讯。 This foreign correspondent sent back a lengthy news dispatch about the local election.
3. 公司正在升级内部通讯系统，以后开会就方便多了。 The company is upgrading its internal communication system, which will make meetings much more convenient.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, journalism, business

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 我们需要加强部门之间的通讯。(We need to strengthen communication between departments.)
• 这篇通讯报道很详细。(This news dispatch is very detailed.)

Don't Say

• 我和朋友通讯很愉快 — 日常聊天用'聊天'或'联系'更自然，通讯偏正式或指系统性的信息交流

Origin & History

Compound of 通 (to pass through, connect) + 讯 (message, news). Originally referred to correspondence and news transmission, later expanded to include all forms of communication.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal