互通有无

互通有無

hùtōng-yǒuwú

idiom #60,151

Meanings

1 to exchange what one has for what one lacks
2 to trade goods and services mutually
3 to share resources to cover each other's gaps

Characters

mutual; each other

to exchange; to circulate

to lack; to not have

Examples

HSK 5

邻居之间互通有无，生活方便多了。

Línjū zhījiān hùtōngyǒuwú, shēnghuó fāngbiàn duō le.

When neighbors share what they have and lack, life becomes much more convenient.

HSK 7-9

两国签署协议，互通有无，共同发展。

Liǎng guó qiānshǔ xiéyì, hùtōngyǒuwú, gòngtóng fāzhǎn.

The two countries signed an agreement to trade resources and develop together.

Tips

history

From Han Yu (Tang dynasty) 《原道》: 为之贾，以通其有无 - merchants were made to circulate what people had and lacked. Originally described the social function of trade.

usage

Common in trade, diplomatic, and community contexts. Carries a positive, cooperative tone - both sides benefit.

Stroke Order

互 hù

通 tōng

有 yǒu

无 wú