At the A1 level, you should know '通知' (tsuuchi) primarily as the word for 'notification' on your phone. Think of it as the little red circle with a number in it on your apps. When your phone makes a sound and a message appears on the screen, that is a 'tsuuchi.' You will see this word in the settings of your phone or computer. It is a very useful word because everyone uses smartphones. You can use it in simple sentences like '通知が来ました' (A notification came) or '通知を読みます' (I read the notification). It is one of the first 'technical' words you might learn because it appears on screens every day. Don't worry about the formal legal meanings yet; just focus on the digital alerts you see on your iPhone or Android. It's a noun, so you can treat it like 'book' or 'apple' in a sentence. For example, 'I see the notice' is '通知を見ます.'
At the A2 level, you can start using '通知' in slightly more varied contexts, such as school or simple office tasks. You might hear about a '通知表' (tsuuchihyou), which is a report card. This is a common topic in Japanese culture. You can also use the verb form '通知する' (tsuuchi suru) to mean 'to notify.' For example, 'I will notify you of the time' (時間を通知します). At this level, you should understand that 'tsuuchi' is more official than just 'telling' someone. It implies a specific piece of information is being delivered. You might see it on websites when you sign up for a newsletter: 'メールで通知を受け取りますか?' (Do you want to receive notifications by email?). It's a step up from basic communication words like 'hanasu' (talk) or 'iu' (say).
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '通知' in professional and administrative settings. You will encounter it in business emails, such as '採用結果の通知' (notification of hiring results) or '支払い通知' (payment notice). You should be able to distinguish between 'tsuuchi' and 'renraku' (contact). 'Tsuuchi' is used when the information is a formal 'result' or 'fact' that doesn't necessarily require a conversation. You will also see it in more complex grammar patterns, like '通知があった場合' (in the case that there was a notification). You should also be aware of '事前通知' (prior notice), which is common in rules and regulations. This level requires understanding that 'tsuuchi' carries a certain level of authority and formality.
At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of '通知' in legal, governmental, and technical documentation. It is often used in the context of 'administrative acts' or 'official service of notice.' You will see it in news reports about government policies: '政府は新しい方針を通知した' (The government notified the new policy). You should also be familiar with related terms like '通達' (tsuutatsu - administrative circular) and how they differ from 'tsuuchi.' At this level, you can use the word to describe complex systems, such as 'automatic notification systems' (自動通知システム). You should also be able to use the passive form '通知される' naturally in formal writing to describe how people are informed of official decisions.
At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of '通知' as a specific legal and administrative term. In Japanese administrative law, 'tsuuchi' can refer to a specific type of 'administrative act' (行政行為) that informs a person of a decision to produce a legal effect. You should be able to discuss the implications of when a 'tsuuchi' becomes effective (e.g., upon arrival vs. upon sending). You will encounter this word in high-level literature, legal contracts, and academic papers. You should also understand its use in abstract contexts, such as the 'notification of one's presence' in a philosophical or sociological sense. Your usage should reflect the precision required in professional Japanese, choosing 'tsuuchi' over 'kokuchi' or 'annai' based on the exact legal or formal requirements of the situation.
At the C2 level, you master the absolute precision of '通知' across all domains, including its historical evolution and its role in the 'Notification-based society.' You can analyze the subtle differences between 'tsuuchi' and 'shimei' (instruction) or 'kankoku' (recommendation) in governmental directives. You are capable of drafting formal legal notices that adhere to the strict linguistic conventions of Japanese bureaucracy. You understand how 'tsuuchi' functions in the 'Administrative Procedure Act' (行政手続法) and can navigate the complexities of 'public notice' (公告) versus 'individual notice' (通知). Your command of the word allows you to use it in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps metaphorically in high-level journalism or academic discourse to describe the flow of information and power within a society.

通知 en 30 secondes

  • Tsuuchi means 'notification' or 'notice' in Japanese.
  • It is used for smartphone alerts, school report cards, and official letters.
  • It can be a noun or a Suru-verb (通知する).
  • It is more formal than 'renraku' (contact) and implies a one-way delivery of facts.

The Japanese word 通知 (つうち - tsuuchi) is a fundamental noun that translates most accurately to 'notice,' 'notification,' or 'announcement.' At its core, it represents the act of conveying specific information, facts, or decisions from one party to another in a formal or systematic manner. Unlike casual conversation, a tsuuchi usually implies a degree of officialdom or a structured delivery of data. In the modern digital age, this word has become ubiquitous as the standard term for 'push notifications' on smartphones and computers.

Etymology
The first kanji, (tsuu), means 'to pass through' or 'to communicate.' The second kanji, (chi), means 'to know' or 'wisdom.' Combined, they literally mean 'to make knowledge pass through' to someone else.
Grammatical Function
It functions as a noun, but can be turned into a Suru-verb (通知する) to mean 'to notify' or 'to inform.'

スマホに新しい通知が届きました。(A new notification arrived on the smartphone.)

The scope of tsuuchi is broad. It covers everything from a simple app alert telling you someone liked your photo to a formal legal document from the government regarding your taxes. In an educational context, it is famously part of the word 通知表 (tsuuchihyou), which is the official school report card or grade transcript sent to parents. This highlights the word's role in delivering 'finalized' or 'official' information rather than ongoing dialogue.

合格の通知をメールで受け取った。(I received the notification of passing via email.)

In business settings, tsuuchi is used for official memos, policy changes, or meeting alerts. It carries a weight of authority. If a company issues a tsuuchi, it is expected that the recipient reads and acknowledges the information as a matter of record. It is less about 'chatting' and more about 'reporting' or 'declaring.'

Digital Context
In UI/UX design, 'Notification Settings' is translated as 通知設定 (tsuuchi settei).
Legal Context
It refers to the formal service of notice, such as a notice of termination or a notice of administrative action.

役所から税金の通知が来た。(A tax notice came from the government office.)

Furthermore, the word is used in the context of 'push notifications' (プッシュ通知). This is perhaps the most common way younger generations encounter the word daily. Whether it's a social media alert, a news breaking update, or a low battery warning, these are all categorized under the umbrella of tsuuchi. The versatility of the word allows it to bridge the gap between ancient administrative traditions and cutting-edge technology.

会議の時間を通知してください。(Please notify [us] of the meeting time.)

不要な通知をオフにする。(Turn off unnecessary notifications.)

Using 通知 correctly involves understanding its role as both a noun and a verb. When used as a noun, it often pairs with verbs like todoku (to arrive), ukeru (to receive), or dasu (to send/issue). When used as a verb (通知する), it follows the standard Suru-conjugation patterns. It is important to note that tsuuchi is generally one-way communication. You 'notify' someone of a fact; you don't necessarily 'tsuuchi' a conversation with them.

Common Verb Pairings
通知を受け取る (Receive a notice), 通知を送る (Send a notice), 通知が来る (A notice comes).

結果は後ほど通知いたします。(We will notify you of the results later.)

In formal writing, tsuuchi is often used in the passive voice (通知される) to indicate that someone was officially informed of something. For example, 'The residents were notified of the construction' would be 住民に工事が通知された. This sounds much more official than simply saying they were told (言われた). In business emails, you might see phrases like 'ご通知申し上げます' (We hereby notify you), which is a very polite and formal way to deliver news.

When dealing with technology, the word is often used in settings menus. You will see options like '通知を許可する' (Allow notifications) or '通知をミュートする' (Mute notifications). Understanding this word is essential for navigating any Japanese interface. It is also used in the context of 'notification sounds' (通知音 - tsuuchion), which refers to the pings and dings your devices make.

アプリの通知設定を確認してください。(Please check the app's notification settings.)

Another specific usage is in the term 事前通知 (jizen tsuuchi), meaning 'prior notice.' This is common in contracts or service agreements, such as 'We will change the price with one month's prior notice.' This demonstrates the word's utility in defining the timing and nature of information flow in professional relationships. Whether you are a student receiving grades or a developer coding an alert system, tsuuchi is the go-to term for the delivery of information.

You will encounter 通知 in a variety of environments, ranging from the palm of your hand to the halls of government. In daily life, the most frequent place is on your smartphone screen. Every time a message arrives, a news app updates, or a game reminds you to play, you are receiving a tsuuchi. In Japanese households, parents and children discuss tsuuchihyou (report cards) at the end of every school term, making it a word associated with academic performance and anxiety.

「あ、LINEの通知が来た。」(Oh, a LINE notification came.)

In the workplace, tsuuchi is heard during announcements of personnel changes (人事異動の通知), office closures, or system maintenance. It is the language of the 'official memo.' If you work in an office in Japan, you will likely receive several tsuuchi emails a day regarding various administrative updates. It is also common in public spaces; for instance, a train station might issue a tsuuchi regarding a delay, although they might also use terms like oshirase (announcement) for more general info.

In legal and governmental contexts, tsuuchi is the standard term for official service. If you receive a letter from the tax office, the pension office, or the local ward office, it is almost certainly a tsuuchi. These documents often carry legal weight, and the date of the tsuuchi can be critical for deadlines or appeals. Therefore, hearing or seeing this word in a formal envelope usually signals that something important and official is being communicated.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 通知 (tsuuchi) with 連絡 (renraku). While both involve communication, renraku is much broader and implies a two-way exchange or a simple 'getting in touch.' You wouldn't say 'I'll tsuuchi you later' to a friend to mean 'I'll call you.' That would sound like you are an official entity issuing a formal decree. Use renraku for social and casual updates.

Tsuuchi vs. Oshirase
Oshirase is an 'announcement' for a general audience (like a sign in a shop). Tsuuchi is often directed at a specific person or group regarding a specific fact.

❌ 友達に通知する。(Wrong: To 'notify' a friend [too formal/weird])
✅ 友達に連絡する。(Correct: To contact a friend)

Another mistake is using tsuuchi when houkoku (報告 - report) is more appropriate. Houkoku is used when a subordinate informs a superior about the progress of a task. Tsuuchi is more about the delivery of a finalized piece of information, often from a system or an authority down to an individual. If you tell your boss 'I finished the project,' that is a houkoku, not a tsuuchi.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that tsuuchi is a noun. While you can say tsuuchi suru, you cannot just use tsuuchi as a verb on its own. Also, be careful with the particle usage; it is usually 'A (person) B (info) 通知する'. Confusing the particles can make it sound like the information is notifying the person, rather than the other way around.

Several words in Japanese share a semantic space with 通知, and distinguishing them is key to advanced fluency. The most common synonym is 告知 (kokuchi). While tsuuchi is a general notice, kokuchi is often used for public announcements or, specifically in a medical context, the 'announcement' of a serious diagnosis like cancer to a patient.

報告 (Houkoku)
A report on progress or results, usually from a lower-ranking person to a higher-ranking one.
連絡 (Renraku)
General contact or communication between parties.
お知らせ (Oshirase)
A polite, general announcement or news update for the public.

通達 (tsuutatsu): An official directive or circular within a government or large organization.

Another related term is 提示 (teiji), which means 'presentation' or 'showing' (like showing your ID). While tsuuchi tells you something, teiji shows you something. There is also 案内 (annai), which means 'guidance' or 'information' (like a tour or a brochure). Annai is usually helpful and welcoming, whereas tsuuchi is neutral and factual. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the word that fits the 'vibe' of the communication.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Suru-verbs

Passive voice (saremasu)

Causative voice (sasemasu)

Noun-modifying clauses

Honorifics (Keigo)

Exemples par niveau

1

スマホの通知を見ます。

I look at the smartphone notification.

Noun + particle 'o' + verb.

2

新しい通知があります。

There is a new notification.

Subject + 'ga' + 'arimasu' (existence).

3

通知をオフにします。

I will turn off the notifications.

Noun + 'o' + 'off ni shimasu' (to turn off).

4

LINEの通知が来ました。

A LINE notification came.

Possessive 'no' + 'ga' + 'kimashita' (past tense).

5

通知の音が大きいです。

The notification sound is loud.

Adjective 'ookii' describing the noun phrase.

6

この通知は何ですか?

What is this notification?

Question form 'nan desu ka?'

7

メールの通知を読みました。

I read the email notification.

Past tense 'yomimashita'.

8

通知をチェックしてください。

Please check the notifications.

'~te kudasai' (polite request).

1

明日、テストの結果を通知します。

I will notify the test results tomorrow.

Suru-verb 'tsuuchi shimasu'.

2

学校から通知表をもらいました。

I received a report card from school.

'Tsuuchihyou' is a compound noun.

3

合格の通知が届きました。

The notification of passing arrived.

Verb 'todoku' (to arrive/reach).

4

通知設定を変えたいです。

I want to change the notification settings.

'~tai' (want to do).

5

大切な通知を保存しました。

I saved the important notification.

Adjective 'taisetsu-na' modifying 'tsuuchi'.

6

会議の通知を全員に送りました。

I sent the meeting notice to everyone.

Indirect object 'zen'in ni' (to everyone).

7

通知が多すぎて困っています。

There are too many notifications and I'm troubled.

'~sugiru' (too much).

8

いつ通知が来ますか?

When will the notification come?

Interrogative 'itsu' (when).

1

採用の通知はメールで届きます。

The hiring notification will arrive by email.

Means/method particle 'de'.

2

変更があれば、事前にお知らせ(通知)します。

If there are changes, we will notify you in advance.

Conditional 'ba' form.

3

システムから自動的に通知が送信されます。

A notification is automatically sent from the system.

Passive voice 'soushin saremasu'.

4

支払い期限の通知を無視しないでください。

Please do not ignore the payment deadline notice.

Negative request '~naide kudasai'.

5

通知の内容をよく確認してください。

Please check the content of the notification carefully.

Adverb 'yoku' (well/carefully).

6

公式な通知を受け取るまでは安心できません。

I cannot feel relieved until I receive the official notice.

'~made wa' (until).

7

彼は通知を受け取ったことを否定した。

He denied that he had received the notice.

Nominalizer 'koto' to make a clause a noun.

8

アプリの通知機能を無効にした。

I disabled the app's notification function.

Direct object 'kinou' (function).

1

役所から住民税の通知が郵送された。

A residence tax notice was mailed from the government office.

Compound noun 'juumin-zei' (residence tax).

2

契約解除の通知は、書面で行う必要があります。

Notification of contract cancellation must be done in writing.

'~hitsuyou ga arimasu' (it is necessary).

3

その通知は法的拘束力を持っています。

That notice has legal binding force.

Direct object 'kousokuryoku' (binding force).

4

通知義務を怠ると、罰則が適用される場合があります。

If you neglect the duty of notification, penalties may apply.

Conditional 'to' (if/when).

5

本件に関する通知は、既に発送済みです。

The notice regarding this matter has already been dispatched.

Suffix 'zumi' (already completed).

6

通知の到達をもって、効力が発生する。

The effect takes place upon the arrival of the notice.

Formal particle 'motte' (by means of/at the time of).

7

不採用の通知を受け取って、彼は落胆した。

He was discouraged after receiving the rejection notice.

Te-form for cause/reason.

8

通知の文面は非常に丁寧だった。

The wording of the notice was extremely polite.

Noun 'bunmen' (wording/text).

1

行政庁による処分の通知は、行政手続法に基づき行われる。

Notification of disposition by administrative agencies is conducted based on the Administrative Procedure Act.

'~ni motozuki' (based on).

2

債権譲渡の通知を債務者に対して行う。

Provide notice of assignment of claims to the debtor.

'~ni taishite' (towards/to).

3

通知の不備により、手続きが遅延している。

Due to a defect in the notification, the procedure is delayed.

Cause/reason 'ni yori'.

4

特許庁からの拒絶理由通知書を精査する。

Carefully examine the notice of reasons for refusal from the Patent Office.

Compound noun 'kyozetsu riyuu tsuuchisho'.

5

通知の到達時期が、争点の一つとなっている。

The timing of the arrival of the notice is one of the points of contention.

Noun 'souten' (point of contention).

6

電子的な通知であっても、法的効力は変わらない。

Even if it is an electronic notification, the legal effect does not change.

'~de atte mo' (even if it is).

7

通知を怠ったことによる損害賠償を請求する。

Claim damages caused by the failure to provide notice.

Noun 'songai baishou' (damages).

8

通知の送達を確認するための記録を保持する。

Maintain records to confirm the service of notice.

Purpose 'tame no' (for the purpose of).

1

通知という行為が内包する権力構造を分析する。

Analyze the power structure inherent in the act of notification.

Relative clause 'koui ga naihou suru' (act inherently contains).

2

意思表示の到達主義と通知の発送主義の相違を論じる。

Discuss the difference between the arrival principle of declaration of intent and the dispatch principle of notification.

Academic terminology 'toutatsu-shugi' vs 'hassou-shugi'.

3

近代国家における通知の制度化は、統治の効率化に寄与した。

The institutionalization of notification in modern states contributed to the efficiency of governance.

Noun 'seidoka' (institutionalization).

4

デジタル・プラットフォームにおける通知の氾濫が、認知資源を枯渇させている。

The deluge of notifications on digital platforms is depleting cognitive resources.

Metaphorical use of 'hanran' (flood) and 'kokatsu' (depletion).

5

通知の形式要件が欠如しているため、当該処分は無効である。

Since the formal requirements for notification are lacking, the disposition in question is void.

'~tame' (because/since).

6

情報の非対称性を解消するための通知の役割を再考する。

Reconsider the role of notification in resolving information asymmetry.

Noun 'hi-taishousei' (asymmetry).

7

通知の受領拒絶が法的にどのような帰結をもたらすかを考察する。

Examine what legal consequences the refusal to receive a notice entails.

Indirect question 'ka o kousatsu suru'.

8

事象の発生を通知するのみならず、その解釈を付与することが求められる。

It is required not only to notify the occurrence of an event but also to provide its interpretation.

'~nominarazu' (not only...).

Collocations courantes

通知が届く (Notification arrives)
通知を受け取る (Receive a notice)
通知を送る (Send a notice)
通知を許可する (Allow notifications)
通知をオフにする (Turn off notifications)
合格通知 (Notice of passing)
採用通知 (Hiring notice)
事前通知 (Prior notice)
プッシュ通知 (Push notification)
通知表 (Report card)

Souvent confondu avec

通知 vs 連絡 (Renraku) - General contact

通知 vs 報告 (Houkoku) - Reporting to a boss

通知 vs お知らせ (Oshirase) - General announcement

Facile à confondre

通知 vs

通知 vs

通知 vs

通知 vs

通知 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

avoid

Avoid using for casual 'chatting' with friends.

formal

Standard for official declarations.

digital

Standard for UI alerts.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using it for casual chat.
  • Confusing it with 'renraku'.
  • Forgetting the 'uu' sound (saying 'tsuchi' instead of 'tsuuchi').
  • Misusing particles (using 'ga' instead of 'ni' for the recipient).
  • Using it for a verbal report to a boss (should be 'houkoku').

Astuces

Check your phone

Look at your phone's language settings. If you set it to Japanese, you will see '通知' everywhere.

Suru-verb

Remember that 'tsuuchi suru' is a transitive verb, so you notify 'something' to 'someone'.

School context

If you are a student, 'tsuuchihyou' is the most important compound word to learn.

Email subject

You will often see '通知' in the subject line of automated business emails.

Don't be too formal

Don't use 'tsuuchi' when just telling a friend a secret; it sounds like a robot.

Kanji meaning

Focus on the 'know' (知) part to remember it's about making someone know something.

Train stations

Listen for 'oshirase' vs 'tsuuchi' in public announcements.

Deadlines

In legal contexts, the date of 'tsuuchi' is when the clock starts ticking.

UI Japanese

Learn 'tsuuchi settei' to manage your app alerts in Japanese.

One-way

Think of 'tsuuchi' as a one-way street of information.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Tsu-Tsu' sound like a train passing (通) and 'Chi' like knowledge (知). A train passing knowledge to you is a notification.

Origine du mot

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexte culturel

Government notices are often written in very formal 'Keigo' (honorific language).

Tsuuchihyou are highly standardized and often include behavioral comments.

In Japan, it is considered polite to turn off notification sounds in public places like trains.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"通知設定はどうしていますか? (How do you have your notification settings?)"

"合格の通知はいつ来ますか? (When will the passing notification come?)"

"通知表の成績はどうだった? (How were your report card grades?)"

"変な通知が来たんだけど、これ何かな? (I got a weird notification, I wonder what this is?)"

"通知音を変えてもいいですか? (Can I change the notification sound?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、どんな通知を受け取りましたか? (What notifications did you receive today?)

通知表をもらった時の思い出を書いてください。 (Write about a memory of receiving a report card.)

スマホの通知をすべてオフにしたらどうなると思いますか? (What do you think would happen if you turned off all phone notifications?)

大切な通知を待っている時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Write about how you feel when waiting for an important notice.)

最近、一番嬉しかった通知は何ですか? (What was the happiest notification you received recently?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is used for any official notice, including paper letters and school grades.

No, use 'renraku' for that. 'Tsuuchi' is too formal and systematic.

It is a school report card given to students in Japan.

It is neutral but formal. In very polite settings, you use 'go-tsuuchi'.

It is 'pusshu tsuuchi' (プッシュ通知).

'Oshirase' is a general announcement, 'tsuuchi' is a specific notice.

Yes, by adding 'suru' (通知する).

It means 'prior notice' or 'advance notification'.

Yes, it is a key term for official administrative actions.

It is the notification sound on a device.

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