私通

sītōng

verb #26,581

Meanings

1 to have secret ties with
2 to be in covert contact with (the enemy)
3 to have an illicit sexual relationship
4 adultery

Characters

private; secret; illicit

to connect; to communicate; to pass through

Examples

他被指控与敌方私通，泄露了机密。

Tā bèi zhǐkòng yǔ dífāng sītōng, xièlòu le jīmì.

He was accused of having secret contact with the enemy and leaking classified information.

古代对私通行为有严厉的法律惩罚。

Gǔdài duì sītōng xíngwéi yǒu yánlì de fǎlǜ chéngfá.

In ancient times, there were severe legal punishments for adultery.

Tips

usage

私通 covers two distinct meanings: (1) secret communication with the enemy (treason context), and (2) an illicit romantic/sexual relationship. Context always clarifies which is meant.

Stroke Order

私 sī

通 tōng