Meaning and Usage
The word 渠道 (qúdào) originally refers to an irrigation ditch or water channel used in agriculture. However, in modern usage, it is commonly extended to mean any kind of channel or route for distribution, communication, or sales. For example, companies talk about sales 渠道 to describe their distribution networks.
Common Collocations
- 渠道建设 (channel construction): building infrastructure or networks
- 销售渠道 (sales channels): ways products reach customers
- 沟通渠道 (communication channels): means or methods of communication
Usage Notes
When used literally, 渠道 refers to physical water channels. When used figuratively, it implies a pathway or method for something to flow or be transmitted, such as information or goods. It is a formal term often used in business, marketing, and communication contexts.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 渠道 with 道路 (road) which refers to physical roads for vehicles and pedestrians. 渠道 emphasizes the function of channeling or transmitting, not just a path or street.