四通八达

四通八達
sìtōng-bādá
idiom HSK 7-9 #59,933

Meanings

  1. 1 roads open in all directions (idiom)
  2. 2 accessible from all sides; well-connected
  3. 3 extending in every direction

Examples

HSK 4
Zhè zuò chéngshì jiāotōng sìtōngbādá.
This city is a transport hub with connections in every direction.
HSK 5
Gāotiě wǎngluò sìtōngbādá, chūxíng fēicháng fāngbiàn.
The high-speed rail network reaches everywhere; travel is extremely convenient.
HSK 7-9
Zhèlǐ de xiàngzi sìtōngbādá, hěn róngyì mílù.
The alleys here branch in every direction - it's easy to get lost.

Tips

history
From 《子华子·晏子问党》: 其途之所出,四通而八达 - 'the roads coming out of it run four ways and reach eight directions.' A Warring States era description that stuck.
usage
Primarily for transport networks (roads, rail, subway). By extension, information networks, social connections, and trade routes. Positive connotation - accessibility is a virtue.

Stroke Order

tōng