通知する
通知する en 30 secondes
- A formal verb meaning 'to notify' or 'to inform officially.'
- Commonly used in business, government, and mobile app notifications.
- Follows the grammar pattern: [Target] に [Information] を 通知する.
- Essential for understanding official Japanese documents and system alerts.
The Japanese verb 通知する (つうちする - tsuuchi suru) is a cornerstone of formal and functional communication in Japan. At its core, it means 'to notify' or 'to formally inform.' While everyday words like 知らせる (shiraseru) cover general informing, tsuuchi suru carries a weight of officiality, precision, and often, a one-to-many or system-to-user relationship. It is the word you encounter when a government office sends a tax bill, when an app sends a push notification to your smartphone, or when an employer officially informs a candidate of their hiring status.
- Etymology and Nuance
- The word is composed of two kanji: 通 (tsuu), meaning 'to pass through' or 'communicate,' and 知 (chi), meaning 'to know.' Combined, they represent the act of making knowledge pass from one entity to another in a structured manner. Unlike 'renraku' (contact), which implies a two-way dialogue, 'tsuuchi' is often unidirectional—providing information that the recipient needs to be aware of for legal, administrative, or functional reasons.
合格者にはメールで結果を通知する予定です。(We plan to notify the successful candidates of the results via email.)
In the modern digital age, this word has found a permanent home in technology. Every 'notification' on your phone—be it a message, a low battery warning, or a software update—is referred to as a 通知 (tsuuchi). When you toggle settings in an app, you are often looking for the 通知設定 (tsuuchi settei - notification settings). This usage highlights the word's role in conveying specific data points or status changes that require the user's attention. Outside of tech, it remains vital in the 'Shinbun' (newspaper) and 'Houritsu' (law) domains, where official announcements of policy changes or court rulings are issued as formal notifications. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it is not just about 'talking'; it is about 'notifying' with a purpose and, usually, a paper or digital trail.
- Formal Contexts
- In business, 'tsuuchi suru' is used for official board decisions, layoff notices, or changes in terms of service. It implies that the information is final and has been processed through the correct channels.
新しい規約の変更をユーザーに通知する必要があります。(It is necessary to notify users of the changes to the new terms.)
Using tsuuchi suru correctly involves understanding its grammatical particles. Because it describes the act of delivering information to someone, it typically follows the pattern: [Person/Group] に [Information] を 通知する. The person being notified is marked with the indirect object particle に (ni), and the information or content of the notification is marked with the direct object particle を (wo).
- Passive Construction
- In many formal situations, the passive form 通知される (tsuuchi sareru) is used. This is common when the recipient is the subject of the sentence, particularly in bureaucratic contexts where the 'notifying entity' is an abstract organization like the government or a university. For example, 'I was notified of the results' becomes '結果が通知された' (kekka ga tsuuchi sareta).
採用の可否は、来週までに書面で通知されます。(The decision on hiring will be notified in writing by next week.)
Another important aspect is the medium of notification. This is often indicated by the particle で (de). Common mediums include メールで (by email), 書面で (in writing/by document), 電話で (by phone), or プッシュ通知で (via push notification). When writing business emails, you might see the noun form 通知 (tsuuchi) used as a heading, such as '採用結果のご通知' (Notification of hiring results), where the honorific 'go' is added to show respect to the recipient.
警報が発令されたことを住民に通知した。(We notified the residents that an alarm had been issued.)
Finally, consider the timing. Phrases like '事前に通知する' (to notify in advance) are extremely common in contracts and service agreements. This ensures that the recipient has enough time to prepare for the upcoming change or event. Conversely, '事後に通知する' (to notify after the fact) might be used in emergency situations where action had to be taken before informing the parties involved.
If you live in Japan or use Japanese software, tsuuchi suru is unavoidable. The most frequent encounter is likely your smartphone. Every time an app asks for permission to 'Send Notifications,' the prompt will use the word 通知. In the settings menu, you will see options like '通知を許可する' (Allow notifications) or '通知をオフにする' (Turn off notifications). This has made the word part of the daily lexicon for everyone from children to the elderly.
- The Workplace
- In a Japanese office, you will hear this word during HR announcements or IT system updates. If the company is changing its health insurance provider, the HR department will 'tsuuchi suru' all employees. If the server is going down for maintenance, the IT department will 'tsuuchi suru' the staff. It denotes a formal, non-negotiable dissemination of information.
会議の時間が変更になったら、すぐにメンバーに通知してください。(If the meeting time changes, please notify the members immediately.)
Another critical area is education and government. Students receive a 通知表 (tsuuchihyou), which is their report card. This 'notification table' is the official record of their grades. Similarly, when the Japanese government issues the 'My Number' card or tax assessments, these arrive as 通知書 (tsuuchisho) or notification documents. In these cases, 'tsuuchi' isn't just a message; it's a legal record. You also hear it in news broadcasts regarding international relations—for example, when one country 'notifies' another of its intent to withdraw from a treaty.
市役所から税金の支払いに関する通知が届いた。(A notification regarding tax payments arrived from the city hall.)
The most common mistake learners make with tsuuchi suru is using it in casual, interpersonal contexts where it feels too cold or robotic. For instance, if you want to tell a friend that you're going to be late for dinner, you should not say '遅れることを通知する' (I notify you that I will be late). This sounds like you are an automated bot or a very stern boss. Instead, use 連絡する (renraku suru) or 知らせる (shiraseru).
- Confusing with 'Houkoku'
- Another frequent error is confusing 'tsuuchi' with 報告 (houkoku - report). 'Houkoku' is generally upwards (subordinate to superior) and describes the progress or result of a task. 'Tsuuchi' is generally downwards or lateral and describes an official announcement or data delivery. You 'houkoku' your progress to your boss, but the company 'tsuuchi' the holiday schedule to you.
❌ 友達に私の新しい電話番号を通知した。
✅ 友達に新しい電話番号を教えた。(I told my friend my new number.)
Grammatically, some learners forget the に (ni) particle for the recipient. Because 'tsuuchi suru' feels like 'sending,' people sometimes mistakenly use 'e' (direction), but 'ni' is the standard for the target person. Also, be careful with the noun form 'tsuuchi.' While 'tsuuchi' is the notification itself, 'tsuuchisho' is the physical or digital document. Using them interchangeably is usually fine, but in legal contexts, 'tsuuchisho' is more precise.
Finally, remember that 'tsuuchi suru' doesn't necessarily imply that the recipient has *read* the message, only that it was *sent* or *issued*. In technical terms, it refers to the 'dispatch' of the notification. If you want to confirm they understood, you need to use words like 'kakunin suru' (confirm) or 'ryoukai suru' (understand).
Japanese has many words for 'informing,' and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the relationship between the speaker and listener. 通知する (tsuuchi suru) sits in the middle-to-high range of formality.
- 通知 (Tsuuchi) vs. 連絡 (Renraku)
- Renraku is the most versatile word. It means 'to contact' or 'to get in touch.' It implies a two-way flow. If you 'renraku' someone, you might expect a reply. 'Tsuuchi' is more like a broadcast; the sender provides info, and the receiver acknowledges it.
- 通知 (Tsuuchi) vs. 告知 (Kokuchi)
- Kokuchi is used for public announcements, like a movie release date or a concert notice. It is often used for 'advertising' or 'publicizing' something to an undefined large group. 'Tsuuchi' is usually directed at specific individuals (e.g., specific customers, specific students).
- 通知 (Tsuuchi) vs. 報告 (Houkoku)
- Houkoku is 'reporting' results to a superior. You 'houkoku' your sales numbers to your manager. You 'tsuuchi' the company's new policy to the staff.
イベントの開催を告知する。(Publicly announce the holding of an event.)
合格を本人に通知する。(Formally notify the person of their passing.)
For very casual situations, stick to 知らせる (shiraseru) or 教える (oshieru). 'Shiraseru' is the direct equivalent of 'to let someone know.' It is perfectly polite for daily use but lacks the 'official' stamp of 'tsuuchi.' For example, 'Let me know when you arrive' is 'tsuitara shirasete,' never 'tsuuchi shite.'
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The kanji 通 also appears in 'traffic' (koutsuu) and 'commute' (tsuukin), suggesting the 'movement' of information.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
- Making the 'u' sound too long or rounded like 'too-chee'.
- Stress-accenting the first syllable.
- Forgetting the long vowel in 'tsuu'.
- Pronouncing the 'r' in 'suru' like an English 'r'.
Niveau de difficulté
Kanji are common but require B1 level study.
Exemples par niveau
スマホに通知が来ました。
A notification came to my smartphone.
通知 (tsuuchi) is used as a noun here.
アプリの通知をオフにします。
I will turn off the app notifications.
通知 (tsuuchi) is the object of the verb 'off ni suru'.
先生がテストの結果を通知した。
The teacher notified (us) of the test results.
通知した (tsuuchi shita) is the past tense of tsuuchi suru.
メールで通知が届く。
A notification arrives by email.
で (de) indicates the medium (email).
新しい通知があります。
There is a new notification.
Simple existence sentence with 'arimasu'.
母に合格を通知する。
I notify my mother of my passing (the exam).
に (ni) marks the person being notified.
通知を読みます。
I read the notification.
通知 (tsuuchi) is the direct object.
これは大切な通知です。
This is an important notification.
Adjective 'taisetsu na' modifies the noun 'tsuuchi'.
変更があったら通知してください。
Please notify me if there are any changes.
〜てください is the polite request form.
結果は明日通知されます。
The results will be notified tomorrow.
通知されます (tsuuchi saremasu) is the passive form.
学校から通知が送られてきた。
A notification was sent from the school.
送られてきた (okurarete kita) means 'was sent and arrived'.
会議の時間をみんなに通知した。
I notified everyone of the meeting time.
みんなに (minna ni) marks the group of recipients.
通知設定を確認してください。
Please check your notification settings.
通知設定 (tsuuchi settei) is a compound noun.
書面で合格を通知します。
We will notify you of your passing in writing.
書面で (shomen de) means 'in written form'.
システムがエラーを通知した。
The system notified (the user) of an error.
The subject is 'system'.
通知を受け取ったら教えてください。
Please let me know when you receive the notification.
〜たら (tara) indicates the 'when/if' condition.
採用の可否をメールで通知する。
Notify the hiring decision via email.
採用の可否 (saiyou no kahi) means 'whether or not someone is hired'.
事前に通知することになっています。
It is decided that we notify in advance.
〜ことになっています indicates a rule or arrangement.
住民に避難を通知した。
We notified the residents to evacuate.
避難 (hinan) is the content of the notification.
公式な通知を待っています。
I am waiting for an official notification.
公式な (koushiki na) is the adjective for 'official'.
更新の時期をユーザーに通知する。
Notify users of the renewal period.
時期 (jiki) means 'time/period'.
通知を受け取っていない場合は連絡してください。
If you have not received the notification, please contact us.
〜ていない (te inai) is the negative continuous form.
銀行からローンの承認が通知された。
Notification of loan approval was sent by the bank.
The source is 銀行から (from the bank).
プッシュ通知でニュースを知らせる。
Inform news via push notification.
知らせる (shiraseru) is used here as a synonym for tsuuchi suru.
契約解除の通知が届いた。
A notification of contract termination arrived.
契約解除 (keiyaku kaijo) is a formal business term.
役所から納税通知書が送付された。
A tax payment notification was sent from the government office.
納税通知書 (nouzei tsuuchisho) is the technical term for tax notice.
変更を遅滞なく通知しなければならない。
Changes must be notified without delay.
遅滞なく (chitai naku) is a formal way to say 'without delay'.
管理者に対してエラー内容を通知する。
Notify the administrator of the error details.
〜に対して (ni taishite) specifies the target clearly.
本人に直接通知するのが原則です。
As a rule, we notify the person directly.
原則 (gensoku) means 'principle' or 'rule'.
通知義務を怠ると罰則がある。
There are penalties if you neglect the duty to notify.
通知義務 (tsuuchi gimu) means 'duty/obligation to notify'.
システムが自動的にメールを通知する設定だ。
The system is set to automatically send notification emails.
自動的に (jidouteki ni) means 'automatically'.
結果を速やかに通知するよう努めます。
We will strive to notify the results promptly.
〜よう努めます (you tsutomemasu) means 'will strive to'.
行政処分が書面によって通知された。
The administrative action was notified via document.
行政処分 (gyousei shobun) is a high-level legal term.
相手方に解約の意思を通知した。
I notified the other party of my intent to cancel.
意思 (ishi) means 'intent' or 'will'.
法令に基づき、速やかに通知を行う。
Based on laws and regulations, we will perform the notification promptly.
法令に基づき (hourei ni motozuki) is very formal.
通知の効力は、到達した時点で発生する。
The effect of the notification occurs at the point it arrives.
効力 (kouryoku) means 'legal effect'.
株主に対して総会の招集を通知する。
Notify shareholders of the convening of the general meeting.
招集 (shoushuu) means 'convening/calling a meeting'.
プライバシーポリシーの改定を通知した。
We notified (the users) of the privacy policy revision.
改定 (kaitei) means 'revision/amendment'.
債権譲渡の通知を債務者に行う。
Perform notification of debt assignment to the debtor.
債権譲渡 (saiken jouto) is a specific legal concept.
電子的な手段による通知が認められている。
Notification by electronic means is permitted.
電子的な手段 (denshiteki na shudan) refers to digital methods.
当該通知は、信義誠実の原則に反する。
The notification in question violates the principle of good faith.
信義誠実の原則 (shingi seijitsu no gensoku) is 'Good Faith Principle'.
通知の不備により、手続きが停滞している。
Due to a flaw in the notification, the procedure is stagnating.
不備 (fubi) means 'deficiency/flaw'.
公示送達をもって通知に代えることができる。
Service by public notification can substitute for (direct) notification.
公示送達 (kouji soutatsu) is a specific legal term for public service.
通知内容の真実性を担保する必要がある。
It is necessary to guarantee the truthfulness of the notification content.
担保する (tanpo suru) means 'to guarantee/secure'.
黙示の合意があったとしても、通知は不可欠だ。
Even if there was an implied agreement, notification is indispensable.
黙示 (mokushi) means 'implied/tacit'.
通知を怠ったことによる損害賠償を請求する。
Claim damages resulting from the failure to notify.
損害賠償 (songai baishou) means 'damages/compensation'.
条約の破棄を他方の締約国に通知した。
Notified the other contracting state of the termination of the treaty.
締約国 (teiyakukoku) means 'contracting party (country)'.
通知の受領を拒否した場合の法的帰結を検討する。
Examine the legal consequences in the event that receipt of notification is refused.
法的帰結 (houteki kiketsu) means 'legal consequences'.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— A student's report card. It is the official notification of grades.
通知表を見て、母が怒った。
— A written notification document. Often used for taxes or legal matters.
納税通知書が届いた。
— Notification not possible. Often seen on caller ID for blocked numbers.
通知不可の番号から電話が来た。
— Without notification. Indicates an action taken without warning.
通知なしにサービスが停止した。
Expressions idiomatiques
— To hand over a report card, but colloquially used to mean giving someone a final evaluation.
プロジェクトが終わって、上司から通知表を渡された気分だ。
Metaphorical— Historically, the arrival of a red draft notice (military). Now used jokingly for any dreaded official notification.
ついに会社から赤紙(異動通知)が来たよ。
Slang/Historical— Not an idiom with 'tsuuchi,' but related. It means having no news or contact from someone.
彼からは何の通知も音沙汰もない。
Common— Sending a message and getting absolutely no response or notification back.
手紙を出したが、なしのつぶてだ。
Literary— A complete surprise (like water in the ear while sleeping). Often used when receiving a sudden notification.
突然の解雇通知は、まさに寝耳に水だった。
Common— To give a warning notification to someone to prevent future mistakes.
遅刻しないように、彼に釘を刺して通知しておいた。
Idiomatic— An ultimatum. The final notification before taking drastic action.
妻から最後通牒を突きつけられた。
Formal/Serious— To receive an official 'notification' of approval or endorsement from an authority.
専門家からお墨付きをもらった。
Common— To go around notifying everyone of something (often gossip).
彼は自分の成功を街中に触れ回った。
Informal— An official notification or proclamation is issued (historical nuance).
幕府からお触れが出た。
HistoricalFamille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'Tsu'nami of 'Chi' (knowledge) passing through (通) a gate to reach you.
Association visuelle
A smartphone screen with a red '1' bubble over an icon, representing an official 'tsuuchi'.
Word Web
Défi
Try to find the '通知' settings on your phone and change one setting. Say 'tsuuchi' every time you see the word on your screen.
Origine du mot
Composed of Sinitic roots (Kango). 'Tsuu' (通) means to pass through or communicate. 'Chi' (知) means to know or knowledge. It entered the Japanese lexicon through formal administrative language.
Sens originel : To pass knowledge to another person.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Contexte culturel
Be careful when 'notifying' someone of bad news (like firing or failure). Use very polite Keigo to soften the blow.
In English, we use 'notification' for everything from a Facebook like to a legal summons. In Japanese, 'tsuuchi' is slightly more formal than a mere 'app alert' in nuance, though it is used for both.
Summary
Use '通知する' (tsuuchi suru) when you need to convey information in an official capacity or describe automated system alerts. It is more formal than 'shiraseru' and is the standard term for notifications on digital devices. Example: '結果を通知する' (Notify the results).
- A formal verb meaning 'to notify' or 'to inform officially.'
- Commonly used in business, government, and mobile app notifications.
- Follows the grammar pattern: [Target] に [Information] を 通知する.
- Essential for understanding official Japanese documents and system alerts.
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