通顺
tōng shùn · HSK 7
clear and coherent
通 (through) + 顺 (smooth) = passes through smoothly, like writing that flows
通顺 joins 通 (to pass through, unobstructed) with 顺 (smooth, going with the flow). Together they describe text or speech that runs without snags — clear and coherent.
通 — 辵 (辶) walk + 甬 yǒng (phonetic)
通 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The 辶 (chuò) component means 'walk' or 'movement', giving the meaning of going through or passing. 甬 (yǒng), originally depicting a hanging bell or a path, supplies the sound. Together they convey 'to pass through, communicate, connect'.
顺 — 川 (river) + 页 (head/face)
顺 combines 川 (flowing river) with 页 (head), originally depicting a head turned to follow the flow of water. The image of going along with the current gave rise to meanings like 'to follow,' 'smooth,' and 'in order.' It remains tied to ideas of compliance and natural sequence.