通宵 (tōngxiāo) means “all night” or “throughout the night.” It’s used to describe something that continues without interruption from evening until morning. Let’s analyze the original structure and meaning of each character:

通 (tōng)

• Original Structure: This character was originally a pictogram depicting a pathway going through a cave or tunnel. This symbolized a passage or thoroughfare.
• Meaning: through, pass through, connect, communicate, common, general

宵 (xiāo)

• Original Structure: This character was composed of two parts: “宀” (mián – roof) and “肖” (xiāo – resembling). “宀” represented a dwelling or shelter, while “肖” had connotations of being small or diminutive. Together, they conveyed the idea of the small hours of the night when people were sheltered in their homes.
• Meaning: night, the night

Combined Meaning

When combined as 通宵 (tōngxiāo), the meaning becomes “through the night” or “all night.” It signifies something that continues without a break from evening until dawn.

Evolution of Characters

As with many Chinese characters, the original pictographic and ideographic components of 通 and 宵 might not be immediately evident in their modern forms. However, understanding their origins can provide a deeper understanding of their meanings and how they contribute to the combined meaning of 通宵.