通畅

• Pinyin: tōng chàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 通 = 辶 + 甬 — to pass through; 畅 = 昜 + 田 — smooth, free

Meaning

Smooth; unobstructed; flowing freely (of traffic, communication, etc.).

Describes something flowing without blockage — traffic, communication channels, bodily circulation, or even thoughts. The opposite of 堵塞 (blocked).

Examples

1. 新修的高速公路让城际交通更加通畅了。 The newly built highway has made inter-city traffic much smoother.
2. 保持沟通通畅，有问题及时反馈。 Keep communication channels open and report problems promptly.
3. 多喝水有助于保持肠道通畅。 Drinking more water helps keep the digestive system flowing smoothly.

Usage Guide

Context: traffic, communication, health

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 交通通畅。(Traffic is smooth.)
• 沟通通畅。(Communication is flowing.)

Don't Say

• 用'通畅'形容人的性格 (通畅 is for flow of things — for a straightforward personality, use 开朗 or 直爽)

Origin & History

通 means to pass through, 畅 means smooth or free-flowing — passing through smoothly.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal