Definition
通信 (tōngxìn) means 'to communicate over a distance' — it specifically refers to transmitting information via technology (phone, internet, satellite, mail). Unlike 交流 (jiāoliú) or 沟通 (gōutōng), which focus on exchanging ideas or feelings between people, 通信 emphasizes the technical channel or medium of communication. It is more formal and objective than 交际 (jiāojì 'socialize').
verb
to communicate over a distance (by letter, phone, internet, etc.)
Easily confused
- 痛心tòng xīnsound-alikegrieved; pained; deeply distressed
Examples
- 通信。Wǒmen měitiān tōngguò shǒujī tōng xìn.We communicate every day through mobile phones.
- 通信。Xiànzài hěn shǎo rén xiě xìn tōng xìn le.Now very few people communicate by writing letters.
- 通信。Tāmen yòng wèixīng xìtǒng hùxiāng tōng xìn.They communicate with each other using a satellite system.
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