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通向 (tōng xiàng) — to lead to, to go to

Definition

A directional verb meaning a path or route leads to a destination (physical or abstract). Used for roads, rivers, and metaphorical 'paths to' outcomes like success.

verb
to lead toto go to

Examples

  • 通向。
    Zhè tiáo lù tōng xiàng shì zhōng xīn.
    This road leads to the city center.
  • 通向。
    Nǔ lì tōng xiàng chéng gōng.
    Effort leads to success.
  • 通向。
    Zhè tiáo hé tōng xiàng dà hǎi.
    This river goes to the sea.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

通tōnglead
向xiàngtoward

通 means lead or pass through; 向 points toward, so together they mean lead toward.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
辶Written in full as辵chuò
Sound part声符shēngfú
甬
甬yǒng通tōng
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

通 pairs 辶, a part associated with movement, with 甬, which gives the sound.

Open 通 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

向 originally drew 宀 (house) with 口 to show an echo in a place; later it was used for direction.

Open 向 →
Appears in
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