Definition
透 (tòu) is used as a verb meaning 'to penetrate/seep through' and as a complement meaning 'thoroughly/completely' (e.g., 湿透 'soaked through'). As a complement, it is more colloquial and flexible than the formal adjective 彻底 (chèdǐ) and the idiom 一干二净 (yīgān'èrjìng), which often implies cleaning or removal. It attaches directly to verbs to indicate a thorough state.
verb
to penetrateto seep throughto leak(adjective/adverb) thoroughlycompletely(used as a complement after verbs to indicate a through or complete state)
Easily confused
- 锈xiùlook-alike(noun) rust
- 头tóusound-alike(noun) head
- 绣xiùlook-aliketo embroider
- 头tousound-alike(suffix) noun-forming suffix, often for everyday objects or items
- 偷tōusound-alike(verb) to steal
- 投tóusound-aliketo throw, to cast (a vote, a glance)
Examples
- 。Shuǐ cóng yīfu shàng tòu guòqù le.The water seeped through the clothing.
- 透。Zhè jiàn yīfu shī tòu le.This piece of clothing is soaked through.
- 透。Tā de liǎn shàng tòu chū le yì sī xiàoróng.A trace of a smile appeared on his face.
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