In modern China, 交通 (jiāotōng) is more than just a word; it's a symbol of national progress and a central aspect of daily life. The country's massive investment in infrastructure—from the world's largest high-speed rail network to sprawling subway systems in dozens of cities—has made efficient 交通 a point of national pride. Unlike the English word “traffic,” which often carries a negative connotation (e.g., “I'm stuck in traffic”), 交通 (jiāotōng) is a neutral, systemic term. It refers to the entire network and its state. You can have good traffic (交通很好) or bad traffic (交通很堵), but the word itself is objective. This reflects a cultural focus on the system as a whole. While a Westerner might complain about “the traffic,” a Chinese person might comment on the state of “the transportation system” (交通). This highlights a collective, infrastructure-focused perspective on mobility.
交通 (jiāotōng) is a high-frequency word used in a wide range of situations, from casual conversation to formal announcements.
Its connotation is generally neutral and becomes positive or negative depending on the adjective used with it, such as 方便 (fāngbiàn) for “convenient” or 堵塞 (dǔsè) for “jammed.”