接通

• Pinyin: jiē tōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 接 = 扌(hand) + 妾 — to connect; 通 = 辶 (walk) + 甬 — to pass through

Meaning

To connect (a call); to get through. Successfully establishing a phone connection.

Used when a phone call successfully connects to the other party. Can also be used metaphorically for connecting utilities like electricity or water. Often appears in automated phone system messages.

Examples

1. 电话终于接通了，但对方一直没人接。 The call finally went through, but no one answered.
2. 由于网络拥堵，这个号码暂时无法接通。 Due to network congestion, this number is temporarily unavailable.
3. 新房子刚装修好，水电还没接通呢。 The new house just finished renovation, but the water and electricity haven't been connected yet.

Usage Guide

Context: communication, utilities, technology

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 电话接通了吗？(Did the call go through?)
• 这个号码怎么打都接不通。(This number won't connect no matter how many times I call.)

Don't Say

• 混淆'接通'和'接听' (Don't confuse 接通 with 接听 — 接通 means the call connects, 接听 means someone answers)

Origin & History

Composed of 接 (to connect; to join) + 通 (to pass through; to connect). Together they describe the successful establishment of a connection.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal