Chinese word

打通

Pronunciation

Pinyindǎ tōng

Meaning

  • verbget through to

Example

我已经打通了他的电话。wǒ yǐ jīng dǎ tōng le tā de diàn huà

I have already gotten through to him.

Illustration for 打通 (get through to)

More examples

这次合作使我们打通了与对方的关系。zhè cì hé zuò shǐ wǒ men dǎ tōng le yǔ duì fāng de guān xì

This cooperation helped us build a relationship with the other party.

Core concept

An obstacle is cleared so two sides can connect and movement can continue.

Common phrases

  • 打通电话dǎ tōng diàn huà

    get through on the phone

  • 打通关系dǎ tōng guān xì

    build a relationship

  • 打通渠道dǎ tōng qú dào

    open up a channel

Similar words

联系lián xì: Get in touch with a person through a phone call, letter, or other method.
沟通gōu tōng: Exchange ideas or information in order to understand each other.
疏通shū tōng: Remove an obstacle or blockage from a path or flow.

Definition in Chinese

使原本不通的道路、线路或人际关系变为畅通或可联系。shǐ yuán běn bù tōng de dào lù xiàn lù huò rén jì guān xì biàn wéi chàng tōng huò kě lián xì

Word origin

打 (dǎ, "act on or strike") + 通 (tōng, "be open or pass through") depicts force being applied until a route or connection becomes clear.

Usage tips

  • For roads, communication channels, and work relationships, the same verb emphasizes making access possible rather than merely trying to contact or enter.

Other meanings

  • connectverb
  • break throughverb
  • open upverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word