tube, pipe, cylinder

JLPT N1 12 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (tǒng) primarily refers to a tube, pipe, or any cylindrical container. It often describes objects shaped like a hollow cylinder that can hold or contain something, such as a pen holder () or a water container ().

Common Collocations

  • (bǐtǒng): pen holder, a common desk item.
  • (yāntǒng): chimney or smokestack, used in contexts related to smoke or fire.
  • (tiětǒng): iron cylinder or container.

Usage Notes

is a noun and usually appears after a descriptive word indicating the material or function of the tube. It is not used as a verb or particle. When used in compounds, it often specifies the shape and function of the object.

Common Confusions

Do not confuse with (tǒng), which also means bucket or barrel but usually refers to larger containers for liquids. emphasizes the tube-like shape rather than volume capacity.

Example Sentences

There are many pens in this pen holder.

He uses an iron cylinder to hold water.

The chimney is emitting thick smoke, indicating the stove is burning.