互通

hùtōng
verb #32,630

Meanings

  1. 1 to be mutually connected; to interoperate
  2. 2 to exchange; to communicate with each other

Examples

Liǎng guó de màoyì qúdào yǐjīng hùtōng.
The two countries' trade channels are now mutually connected.
Wǒmen yīnggāi hùtōng yǒuwú, gòngtóng fāzhǎn.
We should exchange what each has and lacks, and develop together.

Tips

usage
Common in business, diplomatic, and tech contexts. The set phrase 互通有无 ('exchange what one has for what one lacks') is a classic — originally from 《史记》, used today to describe trade and cooperation. In tech: 系统互通 (systems interoperate), 数据互通 (data interchange), 互通 (interconnection — a buzzword for infrastructure integration).
memory
(mutual) + (connect / pass through) — 'mutually pass through'. Same in 互相 (mutually), 相互 (each other), 互动 (interaction).

Stroke Order

tōng