互通有无

互通有無

hùtōngyǒuwú

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

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.

邻居之间互通有无，生活方便多了。

Línjū zhījiān hùtōngyǒuwú, shēnghuó fāngbiàn duōle.

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

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