通奸 (tōng jiān) — to commit adultery
Definition
A formal, legal term for adultery — used in laws, court reports, and news. In everyday speech, people say 外遇 or 出轨 instead. Implies illicit sex between a married person and someone other than their spouse.
verb
to commit adultery
Examples
- 通奸。Tā yīn wèi hé lín jū tōng jiān bèi qī zi fā xiàn le.He was discovered by his wife because he committed adultery with a neighbor.
- 。Tā chéng rèn zì jǐ tōng guò yí cì jiān.She admitted to having committed adultery once.
- 通奸。Fǎ lǜ jìn zhǐ yǐ hūn rén shì yǔ tā rén tōng jiān.The law prohibits married people from committing adultery with others.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.