Definitions

tǒng (noun) tube; cylinder
tǒng (verb) to encase in something cylindrical

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and represents the sound. Originally written as .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "筒" is structured with the bamboo radical (竹) positioned above the phonetic component "同", a composition directly indicating its original referent as a hollow bamboo segment or pipe. Etymologically, it specifically denoted objects fashioned from bamboo, such as containers or conduits. Over time, its application expanded semantically beyond its botanical origin to designate any cylindrical vessel or hollow object, including modern items like metal cans, mailing tubes, or mechanical sleeves, while its graphic form has consistently retained the same components.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个笔很实用。

Zhège bǐtǒng hěn shíyòng.

This pen holder is very practical.

是绿色的。

Yóutǒng shì lǜsè de.

The mailbox is green.

他清理了烟

Tā qīnglǐ le yāntǒng.

He cleaned the chimney.

仓里装满了粮食。

Tǒngcāng lǐ zhuāngmǎn le liángshi.

The silo is full of grain.

客厅安装了新灯。

Kètīng ānzhuāng le xīn tǒngdēng.

The living room has installed new downlights.

她穿了一条蓝色裙。

Tā chuān le yī tiáo lánsè tǒngqún.

She wore a blue tube skirt.

我把硬币存进储蓄

Wǒ bǎ yìngbì cún jìn chǔxù tǒng.

I save coins into a piggy bank.

工程师正在测试体的压力。

Gōngchéngshī zhèngzài cèshì tǒngtǐ de yālì.

The engineer is testing the pressure of the cylinder body.