Definition
私通 is a formal/literary verb with two distinct but related senses: you can use it to mean 'commit adultery' (having a secret romantic or sexual relationship outside marriage) or 'have secret communication with a hostile or opposing party' (often in political or military contexts). It carries a strong connotation of secrecy and betrayal — be careful to choose the right sense based on context, as the word itself does not distinguish between the two.
v.
to commit adulteryto have secret communication (with an enemy or foreign power)
Examples
- 私通。Tā yīn yǔ línjū sī tōng bèi qīzi fāxiàn.He was discovered by his wife for committing adultery with a neighbor.
- 私通。Zhè wèi guānyuán bèi zhǐkòng sī tōng wàidí.This official was accused of having secret communication with the enemy.
- 私通。Gǔdài fǎlǜ duì sī tōng de chǔfá fēicháng yánlì.Ancient laws imposed very severe punishments for adultery/secret communication.
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