立交桥

• Pinyin: lì jiāo qiáo
• Hanzi breakdown: 立 = 立 (elevated/upright); 交 = 亠 + 父 (to cross/intersect); 桥 = 木 + 乔 (bridge)

Meaning

Overpass; interchange bridge; flyover. A multi-level road structure that allows separate traffic streams to cross without intersecting at grade.

A defining feature of Chinese urban infrastructure, seen extensively in major cities. Can refer to a simple flyover carrying one road over another or a complex motorway interchange. Frequently referenced in navigation, traffic reporting, and urban planning.

Examples

1. 这座立交桥建成后，有效缓解了市区中心路段的长期拥堵问题。 After this overpass was completed, it effectively eased the long-standing traffic congestion in the city center.
2. 司机需在立交桥入口前提前变道，以免错过正确的匝道出口。 Drivers need to change lanes in advance before entering the overpass so they don’t miss the correct ramp exit.
3. 城市规划部门正在评估新建立交桥对周边居民区噪音的影响。 The city planning department is evaluating how the new overpass will affect noise levels in nearby residential areas.

Usage Guide

Context: traffic, urban planning, navigation, infrastructure

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 从机场出发后，沿高速行驶约十公里，在第二个立交桥处驶入城区快速路。(After leaving the airport, drive along the motorway for about 10 kilometres and enter the urban expressway at the second interchange.)
• 由于立交桥施工，附近几条主干道将在未来两周内实施交通管制。(Due to overpass construction work, several nearby arterial roads will be subject to traffic control for the next two weeks.)

Don't Say

• 将'立交桥'与'天桥'混用 — 天桥是供行人跨越道路的人行天桥，立交桥是供机动车通行的机动车道结构，两者用途不同

Origin & History

立 (elevated/upright) + 交 (intersect/cross) + 桥 (bridge) — an elevated bridge where roads cross

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal