so1 tung1疏通

Jyutpingso1 tung1

Yalesō tūng

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To dredge, clear, or unblock a waterway, or to mediate and smooth things over.

to dredge, clear, or unblock a channel or waterway
to mediate between parties to resolve a conflict or smooth things over

neutraldaily actionsother

How it's used

Beyond physical dredging of pipes or waterways, this term is frequently used in a metaphorical sense to describe resolving interpersonal conflicts or bureaucratic bottlenecks. It implies a process of removing obstacles to restore a smooth flow of communication or progress. When used for physical objects, it is almost exclusively associated with plumbing or drainage systems.

Examples

keoi4渠mou6務cyu5署paai3派jan4人lai4嚟so1疏tung1通zo2咗di1啲heoi3去seoi2水wai6位。

The Drainage Services Department sent people to clear the drains.

ni1呢tiu4條lou6路coi3塞sei2死saai3晒，gei2幾si4時sin1先jau5有jan4人lai4嚟so1疏tung1通aa4呀？

This road is completely jammed, when will someone come to clear the way?

Common phrases

so1疏tung1通keoi4渠dou6道

to dredge a canal or clear a drain

so1疏tung1通jan4人mak6脈

to grease the wheels or build connections

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 疏導, which is specifically used for managing the flow of crowds or traffic. While both involve clearing a path, 疏通 focuses on removing a blockage, whereas 疏導 focuses on guiding a flow to prevent congestion.