About
This phono-semantic compound combines the radical 阝(fú, mound or hill) on the left with the phonetic component 遂 (suì, to satisfy or succeed) on the right. The radical 阝 indicates a topographical meaning related to earthworks or hills, grounding the character in the context of subterranean spaces. The right side contributes to the pronunciation. Originally, 隧 referred to the deep, sloping passages leading into tombs, but its meaning expanded to describe any underground passage, tunnel, or conduit. It thus evolved from a specific funerary architectural term to a general word for man-made underground structures, including modern vehicular and pedestrian tunnels.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
火车穿过隧道。
隧道里很安静。
修建隧道很困难。
这条隧道有三公里长。
工程师计划挖掘新隧道。
隧道施工影响了交通。
穿过山区隧道后，天气突然变了。
为确保隧道通风，他们安装了大型风扇。