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A2 noun #4,000 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

通り

toori Top 4,000

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Erklärung 通り in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize '通り' (tōri) as a word for 'street.' You will mostly see it in the context of basic directions or identifying where you are. At this stage, it is enough to know that 'tōri' is a noun and is often used with 'kono' (this), 'sono' (that), or 'ano' (that over there). For example, 'Kono tōri wa kirei desu' (This street is beautiful). You might also encounter it in simple signs or on maps. Focus on the physical meaning of a street in a city. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just think of it as a place where you walk or drive. It is a very useful word for when you are a tourist in Japan and need to find your way to a hotel or a famous landmark. You should also start to notice that many famous streets in Japan end in '-dōri,' which is just this word being used as a suffix. Learning this early on will help you understand addresses and map labels much more quickly.

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At the A2 level, you are expected to use '通り' (tōri) in more functional sentences, especially for giving and receiving directions. You should be comfortable with phrases like 'Tōri oまっすぐ行きます' (Go straight along the street) or 'Tōri o watarimasu' (Cross the street). You should also understand the 'rendaku' rule where 'tōri' becomes '-dōri' when attached to a name, such as 'Meiji-dōri.' This level involves describing the street's atmosphere using common adjectives like 'nigiyaka' (lively), 'shizuka' (quiet), or 'abunai' (dangerous). You should also be able to use the particle 'ni' to state what is located on a street: 'Kono tōri ni konbini ga arimasu' (There is a convenience store on this street). Understanding the difference between 'tōri' (a main street) and 'michi' (any road/path) becomes important here to ensure your descriptions are accurate. You are building the ability to navigate a Japanese urban environment independently, and 'tōri' is a key vocabulary piece for that goal.

At the B1 level, your understanding of '通り' (tōri) expands to include its role in compound nouns and its slightly more abstract grammatical uses. You should be familiar with terms like 'hito-dōri' (pedestrian traffic) and 'kuruma-dōri' (car traffic), and use them to describe urban conditions. For example, 'Kono tōri wa hito-dōri ga hageshii' (This street has heavy foot traffic). You will also start to encounter the grammatical pattern '~tōri ni,' which means 'in the way of' or 'according to.' While this is often taught as a separate grammar point, recognizing that it comes from the same root of 'passing through' or 'following a path' will help your overall comprehension. You should be able to read short articles about city planning or local news that mention specific 'tōri' and understand the context of their importance to the local community. Your ability to distinguish between 'tōri,' 'roji' (alley), and 'kaidō' (highway) should be well-developed, allowing for more precise communication.

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At the B2 level, you should be able to use '通り' (tōri) in discussions about urban development, history, and social trends. You might talk about how a certain 'tōri' has changed over time due to gentrification or how the layout of 'tōri' in Kyoto reflects the city's ancient history. Your use of the '~tōri ni' grammar should be fluid, allowing you to explain complex instructions or compare expectations with reality ('yosō shita tōri' - just as expected). You will also encounter 'tōri' in more formal writing, such as 'shōtengai no hito-dōri o fuyasu' (to increase the foot traffic of a shopping street). At this level, you should be sensitive to the nuances of 'register'; for instance, knowing when to use 'tōri' versus more technical terms like 'shadō' (roadway) or 'hodō' (sidewalk) in a formal report. You are no longer just navigating the street; you are analyzing its role in the broader social and physical structure of a city.

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At the C1 level, your grasp of '通り' (tōri) reaches a near-native level of nuance. You can use the word and its derivatives in literary, academic, and highly professional contexts. You might encounter 'tōri' in discussions of 'tōri-mina' (a common name or alias) or 'tōri-kotoba' (jargon/slang), where the concept of 'passing through' is applied to language and identity. You can appreciate the poetic use of 'tōri' in literature to describe the passage of time or the flow of life in a city. In professional urban planning or architectural contexts, you can discuss 'tōri' in terms of 'kage-zukuri' (streetscape harmony) and 'tōri-shin' (center line). Your ability to use the '~tōri' grammar is impeccable, handling complex clauses with ease: 'Koremade no keika ga shimesu tōri...' (As the progress thus far indicates...). You understand the deep historical roots of naming conventions for 'tōri' in different regions of Japan and how they reflect local identity and dialect.

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At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of '通り' (tōri) and its multifaceted roles in the Japanese language. You can engage in high-level debates about urban sociology, the philosophy of space, or the evolution of the Japanese language itself, using 'tōri' and its related terms with absolute precision. You understand the most obscure idiomatic expressions and historical puns involving the word. Whether you are reading classical literature where 'tōri' might have archaic connotations or analyzing modern legal documents concerning 'tōri' (public thoroughfares), you navigate the language with total ease. You can switch between formal, informal, and technical registers seamlessly. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but cultural and historical, allowing you to interpret the 'tōri' not just as a physical street, but as a living, breathing part of the Japanese social fabric. You can produce complex, nuanced texts that use the word in innovative or highly specialized ways, reflecting a deep integration of the language.

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通り in 30 Sekunden

通り (tōri) primarily means a street or avenue in an urban setting.
It is derived from the verb 'tōru' (to pass through), highlighting movement.
Commonly used as a suffix '-dōri' for specific named streets like Meiji-dōri.
Can also abstractly mean 'exactly as' or 'in the way of' in grammar.

The Japanese word 通り (tōri) is a fundamental noun primarily referring to a street, avenue, or thoroughfare. While the English word 'street' can be quite broad, tōri specifically evokes the image of a road that people and vehicles pass through regularly, often lined with buildings, shops, or residences. It is derived from the verb 通る (tōru), which means 'to pass through' or 'to go along.' This etymological connection is crucial because it highlights the functional nature of a tōri: it is a place of transit and movement.

Physical Infrastructure: In a literal sense, tōri describes the physical paved path in a city or town. Unlike michi (road), which can refer to any path including mountain trails or abstract 'ways' of life, tōri is most commonly associated with urban planning and named avenues.
Suffix Usage: When attached to a specific name, it often changes to 〜通り (-dōri) due to rendaku (sequential voicing). For example, the famous shopping street in Tokyo is Chuo-dōri or the fashion hub Takeshita-dōri.

In everyday conversation, you will use tōri when giving directions, describing where a shop is located, or discussing the atmosphere of a particular neighborhood. It implies a certain level of size and importance; a tiny, unnamed back alley is more likely to be called a roji, while a major city artery is a tōri.

この通りをまっすぐ行くと、駅に着きます。
(If you go straight down this street, you will arrive at the station.)

Furthermore, tōri carries a secondary, more abstract meaning: 'the way' or 'as.' While this usage is often considered a separate grammatical point, it stems from the same concept of 'passing through' a process or a set of instructions. For example, oshie rareta tōri means 'exactly as I was taught.' However, for an A2 learner, focusing on the physical 'street' or 'avenue' definition is the most effective way to build a solid foundation.

When you walk through a Japanese city like Kyoto, the grid system makes the use of tōri very prominent. You will hear people talk about crossing Karasuma-dōri or turning onto Shijō-dōri. In these contexts, the word is not just a noun but a vital landmark for navigation. Understanding this word helps you transition from basic 'there is a road' sentences to more sophisticated 'I am on this specific avenue' descriptions.

明治通りはいつも車が多いです。
(Meiji Avenue is always crowded with cars.)

Using 通り (tōri) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its transformation into a suffix. In its independent noun form, it functions like any other common noun, taking particles such as wa, ga, o, or ni.

Describing the Street: To describe a street's characteristics, use an adjective followed by tōri.
Example: Hiroi tōri (A wide street). Nigiyaka na tōri (A lively street).
Indicating Location: Use the particle ni to indicate that something exists on the street, or de to indicate an action happening there.
Example: Kono tōri ni ginkō ga arimasu (There is a bank on this street).

One of the most common ways you will encounter this word is in the pattern [Name] + 通り. When a name precedes it, the 't' sound in tōri usually becomes a 'd' sound, resulting in -dōri. This is a phonological rule called rendaku. For instance, Sakura + tōri becomes Sakura-dōri (Cherry Blossom Avenue).

この通りにはおしゃれなカフェがたくさんあります。
(There are many stylish cafes on this street.)

For more advanced usage, tōri can be used to describe the flow of people or traffic. Expressions like hito-dōri (pedestrian traffic) or kuruma-dōri (car traffic) are very common. If you say kono tōri wa hito-dōri ga ōi, you are saying 'this street has a lot of foot traffic.' This shows how the word tōri retains its core meaning of 'passage' even when combined with other nouns.

夜はこの通りは静かになります。
(At night, this street becomes quiet.)

Finally, remember that tōri is a noun, so it can be the subject of a sentence. Kono tōri wa kirei desu (This street is beautiful). It can also be modified by relative clauses: Watashi ga mainichi aruku tōri (The street that I walk every day). By mastering these patterns, you can describe your surroundings with precision and ease.

You will encounter the word 通り (tōri) in various real-life scenarios in Japan, ranging from automated announcements to casual conversations. It is one of those words that forms the backbone of urban navigation and spatial awareness.

Public Transportation: On buses and subways, announcements often mention upcoming stops near major streets. You might hear: 'Tsugi wa, Ginza-dōri-guchi' (Next is the Ginza Avenue entrance). Maps inside stations will clearly label the tōri to help commuters find the correct exit.
GPS and Navigation Apps: If you use Google Maps or a car navigation system (car-navi) in Japanese, the voice will frequently say, 'Tsugi no tōri o migi desu' (Turn right at the next street). In this context, it refers to the next significant intersection or thoroughfare.

In business settings, tōri is used when giving directions to an office. A receptionist might say, 'Main-dōri ni menshite imasu' (We are facing the main street). This provides a clear landmark for visitors who might be lost in a maze of smaller, unnamed side streets.

すみません、この通りの名前を教えてください。
(Excuse me, please tell me the name of this street.)

Tourism and travel guides are also filled with this word. Descriptions of Kyoto's 'Philosopher's Path' or Tokyo's 'Omotesandō' will use tōri or its suffix form to define the route. If you are watching a travel show on TV, the narrator will often introduce a segment by saying, 'Kono tōri ni wa furui mise ga narandé imasu' (Old shops are lined up along this street).

Finally, in more formal or literary contexts, tōri might be used to describe the general 'flow' of a town. A journalist might write about the tōri no henka (the changes in the streetscape) over the decades. Whether you are looking at a map, listening to a GPS, or simply walking with a friend, tōri is an indispensable part of the Japanese linguistic landscape.

While 通り (tōri) seems straightforward, learners often make a few key mistakes, particularly regarding its synonym michi and its pronunciation in compound words.

Confusing 'Tōri' with 'Michi': The most common error is using tōri for every kind of road. Michi is the general word for 'road' or 'path.' If you are lost in the woods, you are looking for a michi, not a tōri. Use tōri specifically for urban, named streets or avenues where there is a sense of 'passing through' a built-up area.
Forgetting Rendaku: When naming a street, many students say 'Chuo-tōri' instead of Chuo-dōri. In almost all street names, the 't' changes to 'd'. Forgetting this makes your Japanese sound unnatural and can sometimes lead to confusion if the listener is expecting the voiced 'd' sound.

Another mistake involves the abstract usage. Beginners sometimes try to use tōri to mean 'as' without the correct grammar. For example, saying 'Watashi tōri' to mean 'as I do' is incorrect; it should be 'Watashi ga iu tōri' (as I say). However, since we are focusing on the noun 'street,' the main pitfall is spatial misapplication.

❌ Incorrect: 山の中に大きな通りがあります。
✅ Correct: 山の中に細い道があります。
(Use 'michi' for mountain paths, not 'tōri'.)

Lastly, don't confuse tōri with machi (town). While a tōri is part of a machi, they are not interchangeable. You live in a machi, but your house might be located on a specific tōri. Using the correct level of granularity in your vocabulary will make your Japanese much clearer.

Japanese has several words for roads and paths, each with a specific nuance. Understanding how 通り (tōri) differs from these alternatives is key to sounding like a native speaker.

道 (Michi): General Road/Path. This is the most versatile word. It can be a highway, a dirt path, or a metaphorical 'way.' Tōri is a subset of michi that specifically refers to urban streets with a sense of passage.
路地 (Roji): Alleyway. This refers to very narrow streets, often between buildings in older neighborhoods. You wouldn't call a roji a tōri because a tōri implies a main thoroughfare.
街道 (Kaidō): Highway/Main Road. Historically, these were the major routes connecting provinces (like the Tokaidō). Today, it sounds more formal or historical than tōri.
歩道 (Hodō): Sidewalk. This is the specific part of a tōri where people walk. Tōri usually encompasses the entire street, including the space for cars.

When choosing between tōri and michi, ask yourself: 'Does this road have a name?' or 'Is it a main street in a city?' If yes, tōri is likely the better choice. If you are just talking about 'the road' in a general sense, go with michi.

この通りは広いですが、あそこの路地はとても狭いです。
(This street is wide, but that alleyway over there is very narrow.)

In some contexts, you might also hear gai (street/district), as in shōtengai (shopping street). While shōtengai refers to the district of shops, the physical street it is located on is still a tōri. Using these words accurately will help you describe urban environments with the nuance of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji '通' contains the 'road' radical (⻌) and a phonetic component '甬' which originally depicted a bell with a handle, suggesting something hollow that sounds (or allows passage) through.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /toː.ɾi/

US /toʊ.ri/

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'tōri', the pitch starts high and drops (Atamadaka pattern: TO-ri).

Reimt sich auf

Kōri (Ice) Mōri (A surname) Yōri (Cooking - though usually Ryōri) Dōri (Reason/Logic) Sōri (Prime Minister) Hōri (Throwing) Kyōri (Distance) Shōri (Victory)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as 'tori' (bird) with a short 'o'.
Using a hard English 'r' instead of the Japanese tap.
Failing to voice it as '-dōri' in compound street names.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' sound in the long 'ō'.
Mixing up the pitch accent with 'tori' (bird).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The kanji '通' is common and taught early (Level 2). The hiragana 'り' (ri) is simple. Recognizing the long 'ō' is key.

Schreiben 3/5

Writing '通' requires 10 strokes and careful balance. The 'road' radical is very common.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is easy, but beginners must avoid confusing it with 'tori' (bird).

Hören 2/5

Commonly heard in directions and announcements. Distinguishing 'tōri' from 'tori' is important.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

道 (Michi - Road) 行く (Iku - To go) 広い (Hiroi - Wide) 店 (Mise - Shop) 駅 (Eki - Station)

Als Nächstes lernen

横断歩道 (Ōdan hodō - Crosswalk) 信号 (Singō - Traffic light) 角 (Kado - Corner) 交差点 (Kōsaten - Intersection) 曲がる (Magaru - To turn)

Fortgeschritten

景観 (Keikan - Landscape) 都市計画 (Toshikeikaku - Urban planning) 再開発 (Saikaihatsu - Redevelopment) 歩行者天国 (Hokōsha tengoku - Pedestrian paradise) 拡幅 (Kakufuku - Widening)

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + 通り (tōri)

予定通り (As scheduled)

Verb (Plain Form) + 通り (tōri)

言った通り (As said)

Noun + の + 通り (no tōri)

いつもの通り (As usual)

Rendaku (Sequential Voicing)

明治 + 通り = 明治通り (Meiji-dōri)

Particle 'o' with verbs of motion

通りを歩く (Walk along the street)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

この通りはきれいです。

This street is beautiful.

Simple [Noun] + wa + [Adjective] structure.

大きな通りがあります。

There is a big street.

Using 'arimasu' to indicate existence.

駅はこの通りにあります。

The station is on this street.

Particle 'ni' indicates location.

あの通りを歩きます。

I walk along that street.

Particle 'o' marks the space through which one moves.

ここは有名な通りです。

This is a famous street.

Simple identification sentence.

通りに花があります。

There are flowers on the street.

Location particle 'ni'.

この通りは静かです。

This street is quiet.

Adjective 'shizuka' (na-adjective).

通りを渡ります。

I cross the street.

Verb 'wataru' (to cross) with particle 'o'.

次の通りを右に曲がってください。

Please turn right at the next street.

Giving directions with '~te kudasai'.

この通りには店がたくさん並んでいます。

Many shops are lined up along this street.

Verb 'narande iru' (to be lined up).

明治通りはどこですか。

Where is Meiji Avenue?

Suffix form '-dōri' with rendaku.

広い通りをまっすぐ行ってください。

Please go straight down the wide street.

Adjective 'hiroi' modifying 'tōri'.

この通りは夜になると暗いです。

This street becomes dark at night.

Grammar '~ni naru' (to become).

通りで友達に会いました。

I met a friend on the street.

Particle 'de' for the location of an action.

バスはこの通りを通りますか。

Does the bus pass through this street?

Verb 'tōru' (to pass) related to 'tōri'.

この通りは車が通れません。

Cars cannot pass through this street.

Potential form 'tōreru' (can pass).

この通りは人通りが激しいですね。

This street has heavy pedestrian traffic, doesn't it?

Compound noun 'hito-dōri'.

計画通りに工事が進んでいます。

The construction is progressing according to plan.

Abstract usage '~tōri ni' (according to).

大通りから一本入ったところにあります。

It is located one street in from the main avenue.

Compound 'ō-dōri' (main street/avenue).

この通りは歴史的な建物が多いです。

This street has many historical buildings.

Focus on descriptive context.

私が言った通りに書いてください。

Please write it exactly as I said.

Abstract usage following a verb.

この通りは冬になるとイルミネーションがきれいです。

The illuminations on this street are beautiful in winter.

Temporal clause '~ni naru to'.

裏通りには面白い店が隠れています。

Interesting shops are hidden in the backstreets.

Compound 'ura-dōri' (backstreet).

この通りは昔、川だったそうです。

I heard that this street used to be a river.

Hearsay grammar '~sō desu'.

予想通りの結果になりました。

The result was exactly as expected.

Abstract noun compound 'yosō-dōri'.

この通りの景観を守るために、看板が制限されています。

To protect the streetscape, signs are restricted.

Noun 'keikan' (landscape/streetscape).

大通りに面したオフィスは家賃が高いです。

Offices facing the main avenue have high rent.

Verb 'mensuru' (to face/front).

指示通りに動かないと、事故が起きる可能性があります。

If you don't move as instructed, there is a possibility of an accident.

Conditional '~to' with abstract 'tōri'.

この通りは歩行者天国になっています。

This street has become a pedestrian paradise (car-free zone).

Term 'hokōsha tengoku'.

彼はいつも自分の思い通りに物事を進めます。

He always does things exactly the way he wants.

Idiomatic 'omoi-dōri' (as one wishes).

この通りは再開発によって大きく変わりました。

This street has changed significantly due to redevelopment.

Noun 'saikaihatsu' (redevelopment).

その通りは交通量が多くて、いつも渋滞しています。

That street has heavy traffic and is always congested.

Noun 'jūtai' (traffic jam).

都市計画において、この通りの拡幅が検討されています。

In urban planning, the widening of this street is being considered.

Technical term 'kakufuku' (widening).

説明書通りの手順で進めれば、失敗することはありません。

If you follow the steps as per the manual, you won't fail.

Compound 'setsumeisho-dōri'.

この通りは、江戸時代の面影を今に伝えています。

This street still carries the vestiges of the Edo period today.

Literary 'omokage' (vestige/trace).

通り一遍の挨拶ではなく、心のこもった言葉をかけたい。

I want to say words from the heart, not just perfunctory greetings.

Idiom 'tōri-ippen' (perfunctory/superficial).

住民たちは、この通りの街並みを保存する活動をしています。

The residents are active in preserving the streetscape of this avenue.

Noun 'machinami' (streetscape).

期待通りの成果を上げるためには、事前の準備が不可欠です。

In order to achieve results as expected, prior preparation is indispensable.

Abstract 'kitai-dōri'.

この通りは、昼夜を問わず人波が絶えることがありません。

This street never sees an end to the waves of people, day or night.

Expression 'chūya o towazu' (regardless of day or night).

古地図を見ると、この通りがかつての境界線だったことがわかります。

Looking at old maps, we can see that this street was once a boundary line.

Noun 'kyōkaisen' (boundary line).

その通り名は、かつてそこに住んでいた職人集団に由来しています。

The street name originates from the groups of craftsmen who once lived there.

Noun 'tōri-na' (street name/alias).

万事、予定通りに運ぶとは限らないのが世の常です。

It is the way of the world that things do not always go as planned.

Philosophical usage of 'yotei-dōri'.

この通りに漂う独特の情緒は、言葉では言い尽くせません。

The unique atmosphere drifting through this street cannot be fully expressed in words.

Literary 'jōcho' (atmosphere/emotion).

彼は通り魔的な犯行に及んだとして、厳しく追及された。

He was severely interrogated for committing a random street attack.

Term 'tōri-ma' (random attacker/slasher).

都市の毛細血管とも言える、これらの細い通りが生活を支えています。

These thin streets, which could be called the capillaries of the city, support daily life.

Metaphorical 'mōsaihikkann' (capillary).

法規通りの解釈では、この建築計画は認められません。

Under a literal interpretation of the laws/regulations, this building plan cannot be approved.

Legal 'hōki-dōri'.

この通りを彩る四季折々の風景は、住民の誇りです。

The seasonal scenery that colors this street is the pride of its residents.

Expression 'shiki-oriori' (season by season).

彼の理論は、まさに教科書通りの完璧な論理展開であった。

His theory was a perfect logical development, exactly as described in textbooks.

Idiomatic 'kyōkasho-dōri'.

Häufige Kollokationen

通りを渡る

通りに面する

人通りが多い

通りをまっすぐ行く

通りを一本入る

通りを歩く

通りを塞ぐ

通りを清掃する

通りの名前

通り沿いの店

Häufige Phrasen

おっしゃる通りです

— Exactly as you say. A formal way to agree with someone.

課長、おっしゃる通りです。(Section manager, it is exactly as you say.)

いつも通り

— As usual. Things being the same as they always are.

今日はいつも通り６時に起きました。(Today I woke up at 6:00, just like usual.)

期待通り

— As expected. Meeting one's expectations.

試験の結果は期待通りだった。(The exam results were as expected.)

予定通り

— According to schedule. On track with the plan.

会議は予定通りに始まりました。(The meeting started according to schedule.)

思い通り

— As one wishes. Getting things your way.

人生はなかなか思い通りにいかない。(Life doesn't often go as one wishes.)

元通り

— Back to the original state. Restored.

壊れたおもちゃを元通りに直した。(I fixed the broken toy back to its original state.)

見た通り

— Exactly as seen. No more, no less.

見た通りの簡単な仕事です。(It's a simple job, exactly as it looks.)

指示通り

— As instructed. Following orders correctly.

指示通りに書類を作成しました。(I created the documents as instructed.)

自分なりに通りを歩く

— To walk the street in one's own way (metaphorical/literal).

彼は自分なりの通りを歩んでいる。(He is walking his own path.)

一通りのこと

— The standard set of things. General/basic things.

一通りのことは教わりました。(I was taught the basic set of things.)

Wird oft verwechselt mit

通り vs 鳥 (Tori)

A bird. Pronounced with a short 'o' and a different pitch accent. Don't confuse it with 'tōri' (street).

通り vs 取り (Tori)

The noun form of 'toru' (to take). Used in many compound words like 'uketori' (receipt). Pronounced with a short 'o'.

通り vs 道理 (Dōri)

Reason or logic. While it sounds similar to '-dōri' (suffix), it is a separate noun.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"通り一遍"

— Perfunctory, superficial, or standard. Doing something without deep thought or care.

通り一遍の対応では顧客は満足しない。(Customers won't be satisfied with perfunctory service.)

Formal

"通り魔"

— A random attacker or slasher who strikes people on the street without a clear motive.

通り魔事件のニュースに驚いた。(I was shocked by the news of the random street attack.)

Neutral/News

"通りが良い"

— To be well-known or easily understood. Literally, 'good passage'.

この名前は世間での通りが良い。(This name is well-known in the world.)

Neutral

"風の通り道"

— A wind path or draft. A place where the wind flows through easily.

ここは風の通り道で涼しい。(This is a wind path, so it's cool.)

Neutral

"通りすがりの人"

— A passerby. Someone who just happens to be passing by.

通りすがりの人に道を尋ねた。(I asked a passerby for directions.)

Neutral

"通り名"

— A common name, alias, or the name by which a street is popularly known.

彼の通り名は「スピードの鬼」だ。(His alias is 'Speed Demon'.)

Neutral

"通り言葉"

— Jargon or cant used within a specific group; words that 'pass' among them.

それは業界の通り言葉だ。(That is jargon of the industry.)

Neutral

"一通りではない"

— Not ordinary; extraordinary or immense.

彼の苦労は一通りではない。(His hardships are extraordinary.)

Formal/Literary

"通り相場"

— The market price or the generally accepted standard/opinion.

それが今の世間の通り相場だ。(That is the generally accepted opinion of society today.)

Neutral

"通り抜ける"

— To pass through or go through (often used for short-cuts or escaping).

公園を通り抜けて駅へ行く。(Go through the park to the station.)

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

通り vs 道 (Michi)

Both mean 'road' or 'street'.

'Michi' is the general word for any path, including mountain trails or abstract 'ways'. 'Tōri' is specifically an urban, often named, street or avenue where people pass through.

山道 (Yama-michi) is correct. 山通り (Yama-tōri) is incorrect.

通り vs 街 (Machi)

Both relate to urban areas.

'Machi' means town or city. 'Tōri' is a specific street within that town.

この街は活気がある。(This town is lively.) この通りは活気がある。(This street is lively.)

通り vs 路地 (Roji)

Both are streets.

'Roji' is a narrow back alley. 'Tōri' implies a main thoroughfare.

路地に入ると迷子になった。(I got lost when I went into the alley.)

通り vs 舗道 (Hodō)

Both are paved surfaces.

'Hodō' is the formal word for sidewalk. 'Tōri' includes the whole street space.

歩道 (Hodō) を歩きましょう。(Let's walk on the sidewalk.)

通り vs 街道 (Kaidō)

Both can mean 'avenue'.

'Kaidō' sounds historical or refers to major inter-city highways. 'Tōri' is for intra-city streets.

日光街道 (Nikko Kaido) is a famous historical highway.

Satzmuster

この通りは [Adjective] です。

この通りは広いです。(This street is wide.)

[Name]通りを [Direction] に曲がります。

明治通りを右に曲がります。(Turn right onto Meiji Avenue.)

[Noun]通りに [Action]。

計画通りに準備します。(Prepare according to the plan.)

[Verb]通りに [Action]。

教わった通りに作ります。(Make it as taught.)

この通りは人通りが [Adjective] です。

この通りは人通りが激しいです。(This street is very busy with pedestrians.)

通り一遍の [Noun]。

通り一遍の挨拶を済ませる。(Complete the perfunctory greetings.)

万事、[Noun]通りに運ぶ。

万事、予定通りに運ぶ。(Everything goes according to plan.)

通りを [Verb (Motion)]。

通りを渡りましょう。(Let's cross the street.)

Wortfamilie

Substantive

大通り (Ōdōri - Main street)

人通り (Hitodōri - Pedestrian traffic)

表通り (Omotedōri - Main street)

裏通り (Uradōri - Backstreet)

Verben

通る (Tōru - To pass through)

通す (Tōsu - To let through)

通りかかる (Tōrikakaru - To happen to pass by)

通り過ぎる (Tōrisugiru - To pass by/over)

Verwandt

交通 (Kōtsū - Traffic)

通過 (Tsūka - Passage/Transit)

通勤 (Tsūkin - Commuting)

通学 (Tsūgaku - Going to school)

通じる (Tsūjiru - To lead to/communicate)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in urban navigation, directions, and general conversation.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'tōri' for a small mountain path. → Use 'michi' (道) instead.
'Tōri' implies an urban thoroughfare. Nature paths are almost always 'michi'.
Saying 'Meiji-tōri' instead of 'Meiji-dōri'. → Meiji-dōri (明治通り)
Due to rendaku, the 't' becomes 'd' when it follows a name. This is standard for street names.
Confusing 'tōri' (street) with 'tori' (bird). → Tōri (long 'o') vs Tori (short 'o').
Vowel length is critical in Japanese. 'Tōri' has two beats for the 'o'.
Writing 通 without the り. → 通り
The 'り' is the okurigana that completes the noun. Without it, the word is incomplete or could be misread.
Using 'tōri' as a verb. → Use 'tōru' (通る).
'Tōri' is the noun form. To say 'pass through,' you must use the verb form 'tōru'.

Tipps

Use the right particle

When you are walking *along* a street, use 'o' (通りを歩く). When something *is* on the street, use 'ni' (通りにある). When you *do* something on the street, use 'de' (通りで話す).

Length matters

Be very careful to hold the 'o' sound for two beats (Tō-ri). If you say it short (Tori), people will think you are talking about a bird. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

Look for the suffix

When looking at a map of Japan, almost every named street will end in 〜通り. Train yourself to spot the kanji 通. It will make navigating Japanese cities 100% easier.

Kyoto's Grid

If you visit Kyoto, notice that the streets are named in a grid. Learning the 'tōri' names in Kyoto is a classic way for Japanese people to learn the city's history and geography.

Agreement

If someone says something you agree with, you can say 'Sono tōri desu!' (That's exactly right!). This uses the same 'tōri' word to mean 'in that way'.

Okurigana check

Always include the 'り' after the kanji '通' when you mean 'street'. Without the 'り', '通' might be read as part of another word or as the verb stem 'tō' (incorrect on its own).

Pass-through

Associate 'tōri' with 'through'. Both start with 'T'. A street is something you go *through* to get to your destination.

GPS Voice

If you're in a taxi or car in Japan, listen to the navigation voice. It will say 'tōri' constantly. It's great real-world listening practice!

Crowd descriptions

Use 'hito-dōri' to describe the vibe of a place. A 'hito-dōri ga ōi' street is exciting and bustling; a 'hito-dōri ga sukunai' street is quiet and perhaps lonely.

Superficiality

The idiom 'tōri-ippen' is very useful for describing something that is 'just for show' or 'standard'. It's a B2+ level term that will impress native speakers.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'TORY' (tōri) politician walking down a busy London 'STREET' to reach Parliament. Tōri = Street.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a long, straight avenue with cherry trees. Visualize the word 'Tōri' written on the pavement as you 'pass through' it.

Word Web

Street Avenue Passage Rendaku (-dōri) Traffic Directions Urban Michi

Herausforderung

Go to Google Maps, find a city in Japan (like Kyoto), and list five street names that end in '-dōri'. Say them out loud.

Wortherkunft

The word '通り' (tōri) is the continuative form (ren'yōkei) of the verb '通る' (tōru), which means 'to pass through.' In Japanese, many nouns are formed by taking the stem of a verb.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The act of passing through; a place where passage occurs.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

None. It is a neutral, everyday word.

In English, we use 'Street,' 'Avenue,' 'Road,' and 'Boulevard' somewhat interchangeably, though 'Avenue' often implies a grander scale. 'Tōri' is most similar to 'Avenue' or 'Thoroughfare'.

Takeshita-dōri (Harajuku's fashion street) Chuo-dōri (Ginza's main shopping avenue) Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi - note it uses 'michi' for its poetic nature!)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Asking for directions

この通りはどこへ行きますか？ (Where does this street go?)
広い通りに出てください。 (Please go out to the wide street.)
次の通りを左です。 (Left at the next street.)
通りに沿って歩きます。 (Walk along the street.)

Describing a location

通りに面したビルです。 (It's a building facing the street.)
静かな通りにあります。 (It's on a quiet street.)
店が並ぶ通りです。 (It's a street lined with shops.)
大通りから近いです。 (It's close to the main avenue.)

Talking about traffic

人通りが少ないです。 (There is little foot traffic.)
通りが渋滞しています。 (The street is congested.)
車通りの激しい道です。 (It's a road with heavy car traffic.)
通りを塞がないでください。 (Please don't block the street.)

Following instructions (Grammar)

マニュアル通りに。 (According to the manual.)
教わった通りに。 (As I was taught.)
いつもの通り。 (As usual.)
期待通りにいかない。 (It doesn't go as expected.)

Exploring a city

有名な通りを散策する。 (Strolling along a famous street.)
裏通りを歩くのが好きです。 (I like walking in the backstreets.)
通りごとに雰囲気が違う。 (The atmosphere is different for each street.)
通りの名前を覚える。 (Memorizing street names.)

Gesprächseinstiege

"この通りには、美味しいレストランはありますか？ (Are there any good restaurants on this street?)"

"あなたの家は、大きな通りに面していますか？ (Does your house face a big street?)"

"京都で一番好きな通りはどこですか？ (Which is your favorite street in Kyoto?)"

"最近、この通りの景色が変わりましたね。 (The scenery of this street has changed recently, hasn't it?)"

"この通りは、夜一人で歩いても安全ですか？ (Is it safe to walk alone on this street at night?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日歩いた通りについて詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about the street you walked on today.)

あなたの街で一番賑やかな通りについて教えてください。 (Tell me about the busiest street in your town.)

子供の頃によく遊んだ通りの思い出を書いてください。 (Write about your memories of a street you used to play on as a child.)

もし自分の名前の通りがあったら、どんな通りにしたいですか？ (If there were a street named after you, what kind of street would you want it to be?)

「予定通りにいかなかった日」について日記を書いてください。 (Write a diary entry about a day when things didn't go as planned.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Use 'tōri' when you are talking about a named city street or avenue, especially when giving directions like 'Go down this street.' Use 'michi' for roads in general, mountain paths, or metaphorical 'ways' of life. If you see a name on a map (like Meiji-dōri), it is always 'tōri'.

This is due to a linguistic phenomenon called rendaku. When 'tōri' is the second part of a compound word (like Sakura + Tōri), the 't' sound becomes voiced to 'd'. This makes it easier to pronounce. Example: 'Chuo-dōri'.

Usually, no. Small alleys are called 'roji'. 'Tōri' implies a thoroughfare that leads somewhere significant and is wide enough for regular traffic or crowds. However, some famous narrow streets in Kyoto still use 'tōri' because of their historical significance.

It means 'pedestrian traffic' or the 'flow of people.' It is a compound of 'hito' (person) and 'tōri' (passage). You use it to describe how crowded a street is. Example: 'Kono tōri wa hito-dōri ga ōi' (This street has a lot of people walking on it).

Yes, that is a common grammatical use. For example, 'Watashi ga yaru tōri ni shite kudasai' means 'Please do it exactly the way I do it.' It implies following a path or pattern set by someone else.

It is neutral. It can be used in casual conversation with friends, but it is also appropriate in formal business directions or news reports. It is a standard noun in the Japanese language.

It is written as 通り. The first character is '通' (to pass) and the hiragana 'り' follows it as okurigana. Don't forget the 'り'!

It means 'main street' or 'large avenue.' 'Ō' (big) + 'tōri' (street). Most Japanese cities have a central 'Ō-dōri' that serves as the main artery of the town.

No. As mentioned, it can refer to a process or an expectation (e.g., 'yotei-dōri' - as planned). However, at the A2 level, the physical 'street' meaning is the most common and important one to master.

Sometimes, in phrases like 'tōri ga yoi' (easily understood/well-known). It literally means the information 'passes through' well into people's minds.

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