Chinese word

不通

Pronunciation

Pinyinbù tōng

Meaning

  • adjectivenot working

Example

网络不通，我们上不了网。wǎng luò bù tōng wǒ men shàng bù liǎo wǎng

The internet isn't working, so we can't get online.

Illustration for 不通 (not working)

More examples

由于暴雪，通信线路不通，居民无法上网和打电话。yóu yú bào xuě tōng xìn xiàn lù bù tōng jū mín wú fǎ shàng wǎng hé dǎ diàn huà

Due to the heavy snow, the communication lines are down, so residents cannot access the internet or make phone calls.

Core concept

A route, connection, or message is blocked, so nothing passes from one side to the other.

Common phrases

  • 网络不通wǎng luò bù tōng

    network not working

  • 交通不通jiāo tōng bù tōng

    traffic is blocked

  • 线路不通xiàn lù bù tōng

    line is down

Similar words

隔绝gé jué: Describes a state of being cut off from outside contact and exchange.
不畅bú chàng: Describes communication or movement that is hindered and not smooth.

Definition in Chinese

无法接通或通过，既可指线路、道路、通话等实际通路被阻断，也可指话语或信息无法到达对方。wú fǎ jiē tōng huò tōng guò jì kě zhǐ xiàn lù dào lù tōng huà děng shí jì tōng lù bèi zǔ duàn yě kě zhǐ huà yǔ huò xìn xī wú fǎ dào dá duì fāng

Word origin

不 (bù, "not") + 通 (tōng, "pass through") gives the direct image of a route that does not let things through, which also applies to calls and information.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often describe a failed connection with a verb such as "drop" or "go down," while Chinese can keep the same adjective after the channel name for a compact status report.

Other meanings

  • can't get throughadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word