～を通して
This word means 'through' or 'via' something, like a method or a place.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! ～を通して (tōshite) is a word that helps you say 'through' or 'by using'. Imagine you want to say you learned something through a book. You would say 本を通して (hon tōshite). The 'hon' means 'book', and 'tōshite' means 'through'. It's like saying you went through the book to learn!
Or, if you want to say you went through the park, you say 公園を通して (kōen tōshite). 'Kōen' is 'park'. So, 'tōshite' tells us how you did something or where you went. It's a very useful word to connect one thing to another!
The phrase ～を通して (tōshite) is used to explain the method or the path something takes. It translates to 'through', 'via', or 'by means of'. For example, if you communicate via email, you say メールを通して (mēru tōshite). Here, メール (mēru) is 'email', and 通して (tōshite) shows that email is the way you communicate.
You can also use it for physical movement. If you walk through the town, you say 町を通して歩く (machi o tōshite aruku). 町 (machi) means 'town'. This phrase helps you give more detail about how an action is done or where it happens. It's a common way to link an action to its medium or location.
～を通して (tōshite) is a versatile grammatical structure that signifies 'through', 'via', or 'by means of'. It's used to indicate the medium, process, or pathway by which an action is carried out or an experience is gained. For instance, one might say 経験を通して学ぶ (keiken o tōshite manabu), meaning 'to learn through experience'. Here, 経験 (keiken) is 'experience', and 通して (tōshite) clarifies that experience is the channel for learning.
It can also refer to physical passage, such as 窓を通して見る (mado o tōshite miru), which means 'to see through the window'. 窓 (mado) is 'window'. This phrase is frequently used in both spoken and written Japanese to add context about the 'how' or 'where' of an event, making your sentences more descriptive and precise.
The Japanese construction ～を通して (tōshite) functions as a postpositional particle, equivalent to 'through', 'via', or 'by means of' in English. It's employed to denote the channel, instrument, or process through which an action is executed or a state is achieved. For example, 'to understand through discussion' would be 話し合いを通して理解する (hanashiai o tōshite rikai suru). 話し合い (hanashiai) means 'discussion', and 通してお (tōshite) highlights it as the means of understanding.
This phrase is particularly useful for abstract concepts, such as learning, communication, or personal growth. It can also describe physical traversal, like 橋を通して渡る (hashi o tōshite wataru) – 'to cross via the bridge'. The nuance lies in emphasizing the intermediary role of the noun preceding it. Mastering its usage allows for more sophisticated and detailed expression in various contexts.
In Japanese grammar, ～を通して (tōshite) serves as a crucial postpositional phrase that articulates the medium, conduit, or process integral to an action or experience. Its semantic range extends from literal physical traversal to abstract means and channels of information or understanding. For example, one might state 芸術を通して自己表現をする (geijutsu o tōshite jiko hyōgen o suru), signifying 'to express oneself through art'. Here, 芸術 (geijutsu) denotes 'art', and 通してお (tōshite) marks it as the modality of self-expression.
This construction is vital for conveying nuanced relationships between actions and their enabling factors. It can describe the transmission of information, such as 情報はマスメディアを通して広まる (jōhō wa masumedia o tōshite hiromaru) – 'information spreads via the mass media'. Understanding the subtle implications of ～を通して allows for a deeper appreciation of Japanese discourse, particularly in academic, literary, and formal registers where precision in describing causality and mediation is paramount.
The grammatical construct ～を通して (tōshite) represents a sophisticated means of expressing mediation, instrumentality, and traversal. It originates from the verb 通す (tōsu - 'to let pass through') and functions to highlight the noun preceding it as the essential pathway, medium, or agent through which an event occurs or a state is realized. This can encompass physical passage, such as 砂漠を通して旅をする (sabaku o tōshite tabi o suru) – 'to travel across the desert', where 砂漠 (sabaku) is the terrain of passage.
Beyond the literal, ～を通して is indispensable for articulating complex abstract relationships. Consider its use in contexts like 法律を通して社会を規制する (hōritsu o tōshite shakai o kisei suru) – 'to regulate society through law'. Here, 法律 (hōritsu) is the legal framework acting as the instrument of regulation. Its application can also extend to temporal progression, as in 一年を通して (ichinen o tōshite) – 'throughout the year', indicating continuity across a period. Mastery of ～を通して involves recognizing its multifaceted semantic contributions, from concrete pathways to abstract conduits of influence and experience, reflecting a deep understanding of Japanese linguistic structure and conceptualization.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Means 'through', 'via', or 'by means of'.
- Connects an action to its medium, path, or process.
- Used for both physical places and abstract concepts.
- Follows a noun, often marked by the particle 'を'.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese phrase ～を通して (tōshite). Think of it as your go-to for explaining how something happens or how you get somewhere. It basically means 'through', 'via', or 'by means of'. It's like a little bridge connecting an action to its method or location. So, if you want to say you learned something 'through a book' or 'via the internet', this is your phrase!
Imagine you're telling a story. ～を通して acts like a signpost, showing the path your story takes. It can refer to a physical place you pass through, like 'walking through the park' (公園を通して歩く - kōen o tōshite aruku), or it can be more abstract, like learning 'through experience' (経験を通して学ぶ - keiken o tōshite manabu). It adds a layer of detail, explaining the 'how' or 'where' of an event. Pretty neat, right?
The word ～を通して (tōshite) comes from the verb 通す (tōsu), which means 'to let pass through', 'to thread', or 'to make penetrate'. The character 通 (tsū) itself has a long history, originally depicting a road with a crossroad, signifying movement and passage. Over time, it evolved to represent concepts like 'understanding' (通じる - tsūjiru) and 'communication' (通信 - tsūshin).
The form ～を通して is a grammatical construction where 通し (tōshi) is the conjunctive form (連用形 - ren'yōkei) of 通す (tōsu), and て (te) is a particle that connects clauses or indicates means. So, literally, it's like saying 'having let pass through...' or 'by means of passing through...'. This grammatical structure allows it to function as an adverbial phrase, modifying the main verb or clause. Its usage has become incredibly common in modern Japanese to express a wide range of meanings related to passage, medium, and experience.
You'll find ～を通して used in all sorts of situations! It's super versatile. You can use it with physical locations, like 'through the city' (街を通して - machi o tōshite) or 'through the tunnel' (トンネルを通して - tonneru o tōshite). It’s perfect for describing a journey.
But it's not just about places! ～を通して is also fantastic for abstract concepts. Think about learning, understanding, or communicating. You might say you 'learned through books' (本を通して学ぶ - hon o tōshite manabu), 'understood through explanation' (説明を通して理解する - setsumei o tōshite rikai suru), or 'communicated through letters' (手紙を通して伝える - tegami o tōshite tsutaeru). It really highlights the method or medium.
When it comes to formality, ～を通して is pretty neutral. You can use it in everyday conversations, but it also fits perfectly in more formal writing or speeches. It's a reliable phrase that adds clarity. Just remember, it often follows the noun it modifies, showing the 'thing' you're going through.
While ～を通して itself isn't typically part of a fixed idiom, the concept of 'going through' or 'passing through' is deeply embedded in many Japanese expressions. Here are a few related ideas:
- 一通り (hitosu-dōri): This means 'one way', 'a routine', or 'standard'. For example, 'He knows the routine' (彼は一通り知っている - Kare wa hitosudōri shitte iru). It implies going through the necessary steps.
- 通り一遍 (tōri-ippen): This describes something done superficially or routinely, without much thought or care. 'He gave a superficial greeting' (彼は通り一遍の挨拶をした - Kare wa tōri-ippen no aisatsu o shita). It's like just going through the motions.
- 通りすがりに (tōrisugari ni): Meaning 'in passing' or 'while passing by'. 'I saw him while passing by the store' (店の前を通りすがりに見た - Mise no mae o tōrisugari ni mita). This highlights movement through a space.
- 通じ合う (tsūjiau): To understand each other, to communicate well. 'They understand each other well' (二人はよく通じ合っている - Futari wa yoku tsūjiau). This implies a successful passage of understanding.
- 目を通す (me o tōsu): To glance over, to skim, to look through something quickly. 'Please look over this report' (このレポートに目を通してください - Kono repōto ni me o tōsu). It’s about a quick passage of the eyes.
Okay, let's talk grammar and how to say ～を通して! As a particle phrase, it usually follows a noun. For example, 'by email' is メールを通して (mēru o tōshite). The particle 'o' (を) before 通して marks the noun as the thing being 'passed through' or the means.
Pronunciation-wise, let's break it down:
- 通 (tō): This is pronounced like the English word 'toe'. It's a long 'o' sound.
- し (shi): This sounds like the English word 'shee'.
- て (te): This sounds like the English word 'teh', similar to the 'te' in 'ten'.
So, put together, it's 'toe-shee-teh'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables. There aren't really plural forms for this phrase as it functions adverbially. It's not countable like a typical noun. Articles like 'a' or 'the' don't apply here either, as it's a grammatical particle.
Fun Fact
The character 通 (tsū) originally depicted a road with a crossroads, symbolizing movement and connection. This ancient imagery still resonates with the modern meaning of passing through or understanding.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'toe-shee-tay', with a clear 'toe' sound and the 'shee' like in 'sheep'.
Similar to UK, 'toe' like in 'toe the line', followed by 'shee' and 'tay'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'tō' as a short 'to' sound.
- Mispronouncing 'shi' as 'si' (like 'see').
- Adding unnecessary stress to the final 'te'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context
Straightforward to apply
Commonly used, easy to integrate
Easily recognizable
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Particles (助詞 - joshi)
The particle を (o) marks the object or means.
Verb Conjugation (動詞の活用 - dōshi no katsuyō)
Understanding the conjunctive form (連用形 - ren'yōkei) of verbs like 通す (tōsu) is key.
Adverbial Phrases
Phrases like ～を通して function adverbially, modifying verbs.
Examples by Level
公園を通して歩きます。
park through walk-polite.
～を通して means 'through'.
本を通して読みました。
book through read-polite.
Use ～を通して to say 'through a book'.
窓を通して見ます。
window through see-polite.
～を通して shows what you see through.
メールを通して話します。
email through talk-polite.
Use ～を通して for 'via email'.
トンネルを通して行きます。
tunnel through go-polite.
～を通して means 'through a tunnel'.
写真を通して見えます。
photo through see-polite.
See through a photo using ～を通して.
経験を通して学びます。
experience through learn-polite.
Learn 'through experience' with ～を通して.
ドアを通して聞きます。
door through listen-polite.
Listen 'through the door' using ～を通して.
インターネットを通して情報を得ました。
internet through information got.
～を通して indicates the source or medium.
この本を通して、多くのことを学びました。
this book through, many things learned.
Used to express learning via a medium.
彼は通信を通して連絡を取り合っています。
he communication through contact take-and-give.
Shows the method of communication.
その知らせは友人を通して届きました。
that news friend through arrived.
Indicates someone as an intermediary.
私たちは橋を通して川を渡りました。
we bridge through river crossed.
Describes physical passage over a structure.
テレビを通して世界を知りました。
TV through world knew.
Expresses learning about the world via TV.
彼女は音楽を通して感情を表現します。
she music through feelings express.
Music as a medium for expression.
その秘密は噂を通して広まった。
that secret rumor through spread.
Rumors as a means of spreading information.
この経験を通して、自分自身について多くを学びました。
this experience through, oneself about much learned.
Emphasizes learning derived from an experience.
彼は新聞を通して最新のニュースをチェックする。
he newspaper through latest news check.
Newspaper as the medium for news consumption.
そのプロジェクトは、チームの協力を通して成功しました。
that project, team's cooperation through succeeded.
Highlights cooperation as the means to success.
私たちは、大使館を通してビザを申請しました。
we embassy through visa applied.
Embassy as the official channel for application.
この物語は、登場人物の視点を通して語られます。
this story, characters' viewpoints through told.
Narrative told from a specific perspective.
彼は、その絵画を通して深い感動を覚えた。
he, that painting through deep emotion felt.
Art as a medium to evoke emotion.
この法律を通して、環境保護が強化されるだろう。
this law through, environment protection strengthened will be.
Law as the instrument for policy change.
彼女は、ボランティア活動を通して社会に貢献している。
she, volunteer activities through society contribute is doing.
Volunteer work as a means of societal contribution.
現代社会では、SNSを通して情報が瞬時に拡散される。
modern society in, SNS through information instantly spreads.
SNS as the rapid dissemination channel.
その作家は、比喩表現を通して人間の心理を深く掘り下げている。
that author, metaphorical expression through human psychology deeply delves.
Metaphor as a tool for psychological exploration.
私たちは、長年の研究を通してこの新薬を開発しました。
we, many years' research through this new medicine developed.
Research as the extensive process leading to development.
彼は、その経験を通して人生観を大きく変えた。
he, that experience through view on life greatly changed.
An experience acting as a catalyst for profound change.
このドキュメンタリーは、複数の証言を通して事件の真相に迫る。
this documentary, multiple testimonies through incident's truth approaches.
Testimonies collectively illuminating the truth.
企業は、広告を通してブランドイメージを構築する。
company, advertisement through brand image builds.
Advertising as the primary means of brand image construction.
その芸術家は、伝統的な技法を通して現代的な作品を生み出している。
that artist, traditional techniques through modern works creates.
Synthesizing tradition and modernity via techniques.
彼は、その困難な状況を通して精神的に成長した。
he, that difficult situation through mentally grew.
Adversity as a crucible for personal growth.
この哲学書は、抽象的な概念を通して存在論を探求している。
this philosophy book, abstract concepts through ontology explores.
Abstract concepts as the vehicle for ontological inquiry.
彼女は、その繊細な筆致を通して登場人物の内面を巧みに描き出している。
she, that delicate brushstrokes through characters' inner selves skillfully depicts.
Artistic technique as the medium for psychological portrayal.
その歴史的文書は、当時の社会構造を通して現代への影響を考察している。
that historical document, that time's social structure through modern times' influence considers.
Social structures of the past as a lens for modern influence.
彼は、数々の失敗を通して不屈の精神を培った。
he, numerous failures through indomitable spirit cultivated.
Failures as the formative experiences for resilience.
この映画は、象徴的な映像を通して社会的なメッセージを伝達する。
this movie, symbolic imagery through social message conveys.
Symbolism as the primary vehicle for social commentary.
企業は、従業員の多様な視点を通してイノベーションを促進することができる。
company, employees' diverse viewpoints through innovation can promote.
Diverse perspectives as the catalyst for innovation.
その作家は、言葉の響きを通して読者の感情に訴えかける。
that author, words' resonance through readers' emotions appeals.
The sonic quality of language as a tool for emotional connection.
私たちは、この文化交流を通して相互理解を深めることを目指している。
we, this cultural exchange through mutual understanding deepen aim are doing.
Cultural exchange as the means to foster deeper understanding.
その演出家は、光と影のコントラストを通して人間の存在の二面性を探求した。
that director, light and shadow's contrast through human existence's duality explored.
Juxtaposition of light and shadow as a metaphor for human duality.
この古典文学は、寓意的な物語を通して普遍的な真理を暗示している。
this classical literature, allegorical stories through universal truths implies.
Allegory as a sophisticated literary device to convey profound truths.
彼は、その複雑な人間関係を通して自己のアイデンティティを再構築していった。
he, that complex interpersonal relationships through self's identity rebuilt.
Navigating complex relationships as the process of identity formation.
その音楽作品は、不協和音を通して聴く者に深い心理的影響を与える。
that musical work, dissonant chords through listener profound psychological impact gives.
Dissonance in music as a means to evoke strong psychological responses.
この建築様式は、空間の連続性を通して時間の流れを表現しようとしている。
this architectural style, space's continuity through time's flow express tries.
Architectural continuity as a metaphor for the passage of time.
彼女は、その詩的な言語を通して、言葉の限界を超えた感情を表現しようと試みた。
she, that poetic language through, word's limits beyond emotions express tried.
Poetic language as a tool to transcend conventional expression.
その学術論文は、統計的分析を通して社会現象の隠れたパターンを明らかにする。
that academic paper, statistical analysis through social phenomenon's hidden patterns reveals.
Statistical analysis as the method for uncovering latent patterns.
この歴史的解釈は、一次資料を通して従来の通説に疑問を投げかける。
this historical interpretation, primary sources through conventional theory questions.
Primary sources as the basis for challenging established historical narratives.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"一通り (hitosu-dōri)"
Standard way, routine, basic knowledge or skill.
彼はこの仕事の一通りを理解している。
neutral"通り一遍 (tōri-ippen)"
Superficial, routine, done without much thought.
彼の謝罪は通り一遍のものだった。
neutral"通りすがりに (tōrisugari ni)"
In passing, while passing by.
駅前を通りすがりに友人に会った。
neutral"目を通す (me o tōsu)"
To glance over, skim, look through something briefly.
この書類に目を通していただけますか？
neutral"通じ合う (tsūjiau)"
To understand each other, to communicate well.
言葉が通じ合えれば、もっと仲良くなれるだろう。
neutral"腹を通す (hara o tōsu)"
To have one's intentions understood or accepted; to get one's way (often used negatively).
彼は自分の意見を通そうと必死だった。
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'through' or 'via' and are often interchangeable.
～を通じて can sometimes imply a broader scope or longer duration. ～を通して often emphasizes the process or pathway more directly.
インターネットを通して学ぶ (learn via internet) vs. インターネットを通じて世界を知る (know the world via internet - broader scope implied).
Both can indicate the means or cause of an action.
～によって often emphasizes the agent (especially in passive voice) or the specific cause/reason. ～を通して focuses more on the medium or process.
彼によって伝えられた (kare niyotte tsutaerareta - was conveyed by him) vs. 手紙を通して伝えられた (tegami o tōshite tsutaerareta - was conveyed through a letter).
The particle 'で' can also indicate the means or instrument.
'で' is more general and common for everyday means (e.g., 電車で - by train). ～を通して adds a nuance of passage, medium, or process, often used for more abstract or specific channels.
電車で学校に行く (go to school by train) vs. この経験を通して成長した (grow through this experience - emphasizes the process).
Similar meaning of 'via' or 'through an intermediary'.
～を介して is more formal and specifically highlights an intermediary or a channel, often used in business or official contexts.
エージェントを介して契約した (ēgento o kaishite keiyaku shita - contracted via an agent) vs. 広告を通して知った (kōkoku o tōshite shitta - learned about it through advertising).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 通して + Verb
子供たちは遊びを通して多くを学びます。(Kodomotachi wa asobi o tōshite ōku o manabimasu.)
Time Period + を + 通して + Verb
一年を通して温暖な気候が続きます。(Ichinen o tōshite ondana kikō ga tsuzukimasu.)
Abstract Noun + を + 通して + Verb
彼は努力を通して成功を掴んだ。(Kare wa doryoku o tōshite seikō o tsukanda.)
Place + を + 通して + Verb of Movement
私たちは森を通してキャンプ場へ向かった。(Watashitachi wa mori o tōshite kyanpujō e mukatta.)
Medium + を + 通して + Verb of Communication/Learning
インターネットを通して最新情報を得ています。(Intānetto o tōshite saishin jōhō o ete imasu.)
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Verwandt
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
～を通して implies a medium or indirect path. For direct actions, use 'chokusetsu'.
While both can indicate means, ～によって is preferred when highlighting the agent in a passive sentence or the specific cause.
The particle 'o' (を) is crucial for marking the noun as the object or means through which passage occurs.
For very general means like 'by train' (電車で), 'de' is often sufficient and more natural than 電車を通して.
～を通して modifies nouns, not verbs directly. You need a noun representing the means or path.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand library (representing knowledge). You walk 'toe-shee-tay' (through) the aisles, picking up books (本を通して) to learn. The library itself is the 'through' path.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for it when people talk about how they learned something new (e.g., 'I learned through this experience'), how they communicate (e.g., 'via email'), or describe journeys (e.g., 'through the city').
Cultural Insight
The Japanese emphasis on process and connection is reflected in phrases like ～を通して. It highlights not just the result, but the journey or the means taken to achieve it.
Grammar Shortcut
Think of it as Noun + 'o' + 'the thing you pass through/use' + 'tōshite' + Verb 'action'.
Say It Right
Practice the long 'o' sound in 'tō' (like 'toe'). Make sure 'shi' sounds like 'shee', not 'see'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using it for direct actions. If you did something directly, use '直接 (chokusetsu)' instead.
Did You Know?
The character 通 (tsū) itself visually represents a path or road, making the meaning of 'through' very intuitive once you see its origins!
Study Smart
Create flashcards with common collocations like '経験を通して', 'インターネットを通して', and practice making your own sentences.
Particle Power
Remember the crucial role of the particle 'を' (o) before 通して. It connects the noun to the action, signifying it as the medium.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'toe-shee-tay' sounding like you're 'toe-ing' your way 'shee'-ly (shyly) 'tay'-king a path through something.
Visual Association
Imagine a long, winding road (通) that you are walking 'toe-shee-tay' across, perhaps leading to a destination or a new understanding.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try describing how you learned a new skill or how you got to your current location using ～を通して.
Wortherkunft
Japanese
Original meaning: Derived from the verb 通す (tōsu), meaning 'to let pass through'. The character 通 itself signifies passage.
Kultureller Kontext
No specific cultural sensitivities are associated with this phrase itself.
In English, we use 'through', 'via', 'by means of', 'during', or 'throughout' depending on the context. The Japanese ～を通して covers these nuances effectively.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Learning and Education
- 経験を通して学ぶ (keiken o tōshite manabu)
- 本を通して知る (hon o tōshite shiru)
- 教育を通して育てる (kyōiku o tōshite sodateru)
Communication
- メールを通して連絡する (mēru o tōshite renraku suru)
- 通信を通して話す (tsūshin o tōshite hanasu)
- 噂を通して広まる (uwasa o tōshite hiromaru)
Travel and Places
- 街を通して歩く (machi o tōshite aruku)
- トンネルを通して行く (tonneru o tōshite iku)
- 橋を通して渡る (hashi o tōshite wataru)
Abstract Processes
- 努力を通して達成する (doryoku o tōshite tassei suru)
- 困難を通して成長する (konnan o tōshite seichō suru)
- 時間を通して変化する (jikan o tōshite henka suru)
Conversation Starters
"How did you learn to play the guitar? Was it through lessons or self-study?"
"What's the best way to get news nowadays? Through newspapers or online?"
"Have you ever traveled through a country and experienced something amazing?"
"Do you think people understand each other better through face-to-face conversation or online communication?"
"What's something important you've learned through a difficult experience?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you learned a valuable lesson through a mistake.
Write about a journey you took, focusing on the places you passed through.
How do you get most of your information? Discuss the channels you use.
Reflect on a skill you've acquired. What was the process like?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenThey are very similar and often interchangeable. ～を通じて can sometimes imply a broader scope or a longer duration than ～を通して, but in many cases, they mean the same thing: 'through' or 'via'.
No, ～を通して typically follows a noun (or a noun phrase) that represents the means, medium, or path. You cannot directly attach it to a verb.
Not always. Depending on the context, it can also mean 'via', 'by means of', 'during', or 'throughout'. Consider the noun it modifies to understand the exact nuance.
'で' is a more general particle for means. Use ～を通して when you want to specifically emphasize the 'passage' or 'medium' aspect, or when the means is more abstract or complex.
No, it's very commonly used for abstract concepts like learning, communication, understanding, or experiences, as well as physical paths.
The particle 'を' (o) marks the preceding noun as the direct object of the implied action of 'passing through' or the means by which something is done.
Yes, it can be used with time periods to mean 'throughout' or 'during', such as 一年を通して (ichinen o tōshite - throughout the year).
～を通して is quite versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations. It's a standard and widely understood expression.
Teste dich selbst
私は___を通して日本語を勉強します。
The sentence means 'I study Japanese through books.' '本' (hon) means book.
Which sentence correctly uses ～を通して to mean 'via email'?
メールを通して話します (mēru o tōshite hanashimasu) means 'to speak via email'.
「経験を通して学ぶ」 means 'to learn directly without any experience'.
経験を通して学ぶ (keiken o tōshite manabu) means 'to learn through experience', emphasizing the role of experience.
Word
Bedeutung
These pairs match common phrases with their English meanings.
The correct sentence is 'この本を通して学びました' (Kono hon o tōshite manabimashita), meaning 'I learned through this book'.
彼は多くの困難を___乗り越えた。
The sentence means 'He overcame many difficulties.' '通して' (tōshite) fits the meaning of 'through' these difficulties.
Which phrase best describes the role of '芸術' (art) in the sentence '芸術を通して自己表現をする'?
'芸術を通して' indicates that art is the medium or means through which self-expression occurs.
Create a sentence using '通信' (tsūshin - communication) and '～を通して' to describe how people stay in touch.
This demonstrates using 'communication' as the means.
その哲学者は、抽象的な概念___存在論を探求した。
The sentence implies exploring ontology 'through' abstract concepts, making 'を通して' the most fitting choice.
Translate: 'He cultivated an indomitable spirit through numerous failures.'
This sentence correctly uses '失敗を通して' (shippai o tōshite) to indicate the means by which the spirit was cultivated.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Use ～を通して to explain the pathway or method behind an action, making your Japanese more descriptive and precise.
- Means 'through', 'via', or 'by means of'.
- Connects an action to its medium, path, or process.
- Used for both physical places and abstract concepts.
- Follows a noun, often marked by the particle 'を'.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand library (representing knowledge). You walk 'toe-shee-tay' (through) the aisles, picking up books (本を通して) to learn. The library itself is the 'through' path.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for it when people talk about how they learned something new (e.g., 'I learned through this experience'), how they communicate (e.g., 'via email'), or describe journeys (e.g., 'through the city').
Cultural Insight
The Japanese emphasis on process and connection is reflected in phrases like ～を通して. It highlights not just the result, but the journey or the means taken to achieve it.
Grammar Shortcut
Think of it as Noun + 'o' + 'the thing you pass through/use' + 'tōshite' + Verb 'action'.
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〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
