Meaning and Usage
The word 通行 (tōngxíng) primarily means "to pass through" or "to be allowed passage." It is commonly used to describe the movement of people or vehicles through a place, such as roads, gates, or corridors. Additionally, it can mean "to be accepted or valid" in a broader sense, such as documents or currency being recognized nationwide.
Common Contexts
- Traffic and pedestrian movement: 通行 is often used in signs or announcements about whether vehicles or people can pass through certain areas.
- Validity and acceptance: It can describe something that is generally accepted or valid across regions, like an ID card or a ticket.
Collocations and Patterns
- 通行证 (tōngxíng zhèng): pass permit or pass card, used to authorize passage.
- 通行费 (tōngxíng fèi): toll fee, the charge for passing through a road or bridge.
- 禁止通行 (jìnzhǐ tōngxíng): no passage allowed, a common traffic sign.
Nuances
When using 通行, the focus is on the ability or permission to pass through a space or the acceptance of something across a domain. It is more formal than just saying "go through" and often appears in official or written contexts. Avoid confusing it with 行走 (xíngzǒu), which emphasizes the act of walking rather than the permission or possibility of passage.