noun HSK 3
traffic · transportation · communications
Meaning
交通 refers to the movement of vehicles, people, and goods, as well as the systems that enable this movement. It encompasses both the concept of traffic (vehicles on roads) and transportation infrastructure (buses, trains, roads, etc.).
Usage
This is an extremely common everyday word used in contexts ranging from complaining about traffic jams to discussing public transportation systems. It frequently appears in compounds like 交通工具 (means of transportation) and 交通堵塞 (traffic jam). Native speakers use it both as a standalone noun and as a modifier.
Examples
- 01北京的交通很拥挤。.Beijing's traffic is very congested.
- 02这里的公共交通非常方便。.Public transportation here is very convenient.
Characters
Common collocations
- 交通堵塞traffic jam, traffic congestion
- 交通事故traffic accident
- 公共交通public transportation
- 交通规则traffic rules
Origin
The word literally means 'intersecting passage' - 交 (exchange/intersect) + 通 (pass through). This captures the essence of traffic as the intersection and flow of movement.