At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic function of 'tootte' (the te-form of 'tooru'). It is taught as a way to describe simple movement through a place. For example, 'Kouen wo tootte' (passing through the park). The focus is on the physical space being traversed. Learners at this stage should understand that 'tootte' is used to show a route. They might use it in very simple sentences like 'Mise wo tootte, eki ni iku' (I go to the station by passing the shop). The primary grammatical hurdle is remembering to use the particle 'wo' instead of 'ni' or 'de'. Teachers often use maps to illustrate this, drawing a line through a building or park to show the 'transit' nature of the word. It is one of the first te-form verbs used to connect two actions in a sequence related to travel.
At the A2 level, 'tootte' becomes a vital tool for giving and receiving directions. Learners can now use it to describe more complex routes, such as 'Turn left at the corner and pass through the narrow street.' It is also used to describe daily commutes in more detail. Instead of just saying 'I go to school,' an A2 learner can say 'I go to school via the shopping district.' This level also introduces the difference between 'tootte' (passing through) and 'yotte' (stopping by), helping learners be more precise in their daily planning. They begin to hear this word in public transport announcements and learn to recognize it as a signal for 'via' or 'through'. The focus is on practical, everyday navigation and the ability to describe one's path to others.
By B1, learners start to use 'tootte' in more abstract or metaphorical contexts, although physical navigation remains the core usage. They might describe a process or a sequence of events as 'passing through' a certain phase. For example, 'Passing through various difficulties.' B1 learners also become comfortable with the passive and causative forms of the root verb 'tooru', such as 'toorasete kudasai' (please let me pass). They can understand and use more formal alternatives like 'keiyu shite' for travel and recognize when 'tootte' is being used to describe a habitual route versus a one-time event. Their sentences become more fluid, often linking multiple te-form verbs to describe a complex journey with nuances of speed or purpose.
At the B2 level, 'tootte' is used with high precision. Learners understand the subtle difference between 'tooru' (to pass through) and 'tsuuka suru' (to pass by/through without stopping, often used for vehicles). They can use 'tootte' to discuss urban planning, traffic flow, and logistics. For example, 'The new highway passes through the mountains.' They also begin to appreciate the literary uses of the word, where it might describe light 'passing through' a window or water 'passing through' a pipe in a technical manual. B2 learners are expected to use the correct register, opting for 'toorimashite' or 'keiyu shite' in formal business settings when describing a business trip route or a supply chain path. Their understanding of the particle 'wo' is absolute, and they can explain the grammar to others.
C1 learners use 'tootte' and its related forms in highly sophisticated ways. They can discuss philosophical concepts like 'the path one passes through in life' or 'the channels through which information passes.' They are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use 'tooru' to mean 'to be accepted' (e.g., a proposal passing a committee). At this level, the distinction between 'tootte' and 'wo hete' (を経て) is clear; they use the latter for historical periods or complex stages of development. Their vocabulary is enriched with synonyms that specify the *manner* of passing, such as 'shinnyu' (passing through/invading) or 'kantsu' (passing all the way through). They can read and write technical or legal documents where 'tooru' defines boundaries and access rights.
At the C2 level, 'tootte' is just one of many tools in a vast repertoire of spatial and temporal descriptors. The learner has a native-like grasp of the word's nuances, including its use in classical literature or archaic poetry where it might describe the 'passing' of seasons or the 'transit' of the soul. They can navigate any social situation, from giving casual directions to a friend to delivering a formal lecture on infrastructure where 'tooru' is used to describe the structural integrity or the path of energy. They understand the etymological roots of the kanji 通 and how it relates to communication (tsuushin) and commonality (tsuuzoku). For a C2 learner, 'tootte' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' but a fundamental building block of the Japanese spatial consciousness.

〜通って en 30 secondes

  • Tootte is the te-form of 'tooru' (to pass) and means 'passing through' or 'via' a specific place.
  • It requires the particle 'wo' (を) to mark the space or landmark being traversed during movement.
  • It is primarily used for giving directions, describing commutes, or explaining a specific route taken.
  • Commonly used in phrases like 'Kouen wo tootte' (through the park) to link a path to a destination.

The Japanese expression 〜通って (tootte) is the te-form of the verb tooru (通る), which primarily means 'to pass through' or 'to go by way of.' In daily Japanese conversation, it is an essential navigational tool used to describe the route someone takes to reach a destination. Unlike the simple particle ni (to) or e (towards), which focus on the end goal, tootte emphasizes the path itself. It is used when you want to specify that your journey involves moving through a specific area, street, or landmark. This distinction is crucial for giving directions or explaining why a commute takes a certain amount of time. For example, if you are walking to a friend's house and choose to walk through a park instead of along the main road, you would use tootte to highlight that specific choice of path.

Physical Movement
The most common use is describing a physical route through a 3D space, such as a tunnel, a park, or a specific neighborhood.
Commuting Habit
It can also describe a regular route taken for work or school, implying a sense of routine and familiarity with the path.

公園を通って、駅に行きます。
(Kouen wo tootte, eki ni ikimasu.)
I go to the station by passing through the park.

Beyond simple navigation, tootte carries a nuance of transit. It suggests that the location mentioned is not the final stop, but a necessary or chosen segment of a larger trip. In urban planning or logistics, it identifies the arteries of the city. When a Japanese speaker says they are 'passing through' a place, they are often providing context for their current location or explaining their ETA. If there is a parade or construction on the main street, someone might say they are 'passing through the back alleys' to avoid the crowd. This flexibility makes it one of the most frequently used functional verb forms in the Japanese language, bridging the gap between static locations and dynamic movement.

Furthermore, tootte can be used metaphorically, though this is more common at higher levels. It can refer to passing through a particular stage of life or a process. However, at the A2 level, learners should focus on its spatial utility. Whether you are navigating the complex subway systems of Tokyo or describing a scenic walk in Kyoto, mastering tootte allows you to communicate your journey with precision and clarity. It transforms a simple 'I went' into a descriptive 'I went via,' adding layers of detail to your storytelling and directional skills.

Using tootte correctly requires understanding the grammar of the particle を (wo). In Japanese, verbs of motion like tooru (to pass), aruku (to walk), and tobu (to fly) use wo to mark the area where the movement occurs. Therefore, the pattern is usually [Place] を 通って [Destination] に/へ [Verb]. This structure tells the listener exactly which landmark or area was traversed during the journey. It is also important to remember that because it is in the te-form, it acts as a linker, connecting the action of 'passing through' with the subsequent action of 'going' or 'arriving.'

Direct Path
Used when the path is a straight line through a gate, door, or narrow passage. Example: 'Passing through the gate.'
General Area
Used when moving across a wider space like a square, park, or city district. Example: 'Passing through Shinjuku.'

この道を通って、まっすぐ行ってください。
(Kono michi wo tootte, massugu itte kudasai.)
Please go straight, passing through this street.

In more complex sentences, tootte can be combined with other te-form verbs to describe a sequence of navigational steps. For instance, 'Turn left at the corner, pass through the tunnel, and you will see the hospital.' This serial nature of the te-form makes tootte indispensable for providing clear, step-by-step instructions. It is also used when explaining traffic routes; a bus might be described as 'passing through' several stops before reaching the terminal. In these cases, it functions similarly to the English word 'via.'

When using tootte in a formal setting, the verb tooru can be conjugated into its polite form toorimashite, though in most conversational contexts, the te-form tootte is perfectly acceptable as a conjunctive. It is also worth noting that the 'wo' particle is non-negotiable here; using 'ni' would change the meaning to 'arriving at the path' rather than 'passing through it.' This grammatical precision helps avoid confusion, especially in high-stakes situations like giving directions to emergency services or navigating unfamiliar territory in a foreign country.

In Japan, you will encounter tootte almost every time you use public transportation or ask for directions. Train station announcements often use a related form to describe express trains 'passing through' stations without stopping. However, in interpersonal interactions, you’ll hear it most often when someone is describing their daily routine. A colleague might say, 'I usually pass through the shopping mall on my way home to pick up dinner.' This use of tootte provides a vivid picture of their movement and habits.

Public Transport
Bus drivers and conductors use it to announce the route: 'This bus goes via the City Hall.'
GPS and Navigation
Digital maps and car navigation systems frequently use 'tootte' to suggest the fastest or most scenic routes.

新宿駅を通って、会社に行きます。
(Shinjuku eki wo tootte, kaisha ni ikimasu.)
I go to work via Shinjuku Station.

If you are a tourist in Japan, you will likely hear shop staff or locals using tootte to guide you. If a road is blocked for a festival (matsuri), they might tell you to 'pass through the side street.' In this context, the word is helpful and instructional. It is also common in weather reports or news when describing the path of a typhoon or a parade. 'The typhoon is passing through the Kyushu region' would use a form of tooru, and witnesses might use tootte to describe where they saw it go.

Interestingly, tootte also appears in social contexts. If you are walking through a crowded area and need people to move, you might say 'Toorasete kudasai' (Please let me pass), which is the causative form of the same verb. While tootte itself is more about the route, the root verb is deeply embedded in the Japanese concept of personal space and movement within a group. Understanding the 'transit' nature of tootte helps you blend into the rhythmic flow of Japanese life, where movement is often choreographed and specific routes are culturally significant.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with tootte is using the wrong particle. In English, we say 'go through the park,' and learners often try to translate 'through' using a particle like kara (from) or de (at/by). However, in Japanese, the space you move through must be marked with wo (を). Saying 'Kouen de tootte' sounds like you are performing the action of 'passing' while standing still inside the park, which is a logical contradiction in Japanese.

Particle Confusion
Mistaking 'wo' for 'ni' or 'de'. Remember: 'wo' marks the path, 'ni' marks the destination.
Verb Choice
Using 'tootte' when you actually mean 'yotte' (stopping by). 'Tootte' means you don't necessarily stop; you just pass through.

❌ 公園通って行きます。
✅ 公園通って行きます。
(I go passing through the park.)

Another common error is confusing tootte with kayoutte (attending). While they sound slightly similar to a beginner's ear, kayou means to commute or attend a place regularly (like a school or gym), whereas tooru means the physical act of passing through a space. If you say 'Gakkou wo tootte imasu,' it means you are currently walking through the school building, not that you are a student there. For 'I attend school,' you must use 'Gakkou ni kayotte imasu.'

Lastly, learners sometimes overcomplicate the sentence by adding extra verbs. You don't need to say 'Kouen wo tootte, soshite ikimasu.' The te-form tootte already functions as the 'and' or 'by way of' connection. Keep it simple: [Place] wo tootte [Destination] ni iku. Avoid using it for 'passing' an exam as well; for that, Japanese uses the verb goukakusuru. Tooru is for physical passages or metaphorical paths, not for academic success. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will sound much more natural and avoid common 'Gaijin' (foreigner) grammatical pitfalls.

While tootte is the most versatile word for 'passing through,' there are several alternatives depending on the level of formality or the specific nature of the movement. For instance, in very formal situations or on official documents, you might see keiyu shite (経由して). This specifically means 'via' or 'by way of' and is common in logistics and travel itineraries. While tootte is used in daily speech, keiyu is what you'll see on a flight ticket or a highway sign.

経由して (Keiyu shite)
Formal 'via'. Used for flight transfers or official transport routes. Example: 'Via Dubai.'
通過して (Tsuuka shite)
'Passing through' without stopping. Often used for trains passing a station or a car passing a checkpoint.

ドバイを経由して、日本に行きます。
(Dobai wo keiyu shite, Nihon ni ikimasu.)
I go to Japan via Dubai.

Another similar word is yotte (寄って), which means 'to stop by' or 'to drop in.' It is easy to confuse with tootte because both involve a location on the way to a destination. The difference is intentionality: tootte implies movement through a space (like a street), whereas yotte implies a temporary stop (like a convenience store). If you say 'Konbini wo tootte,' you just walked past it. If you say 'Konbini ni yotte,' you went inside to buy something. Choosing the right one changes the entire meaning of your sentence.

Finally, consider nukete (抜けて). This means 'to pass through and come out the other side,' often implying a sense of completion or relief, like emerging from a dark tunnel or a thick forest. While tootte is neutral, nukete emphasizes the exit. For an A2 learner, sticking with tootte for most navigational needs is the safest bet, but being aware of these alternatives will help you understand the subtle shades of meaning in more advanced Japanese conversations and texts.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji '通' consists of the 'road' radical (辶) and the phonetic 'yung' (甬), which originally depicted a bell with a hole through it, symbolizing something that 'passes through'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /tɔːteɪ/
US /toʊteɪ/
Flat pitch (Heiban). No specific syllable is stressed higher than the others in standard Tokyo dialect.
Rime avec
Katte (buying) Matte (waiting) Motte (having) Utte (selling) Kitte (cutting) Hitte (pulling - rare) Otte (chasing) Natte (becoming)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing it as 'to-te' without the double 't' pause.
  • Making the 'o' too long like 'tooo-tte'.
  • Confusing it with 'totte' (taking/picking up).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji 通 is common but has many readings (tooru, kayou, doori). A2 learners should recognize it.

Écriture 3/5

Writing the kanji 通 requires correct stroke order for the 'road' radical.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to say, but requires remembering the 'wo' particle.

Écoute 2/5

Easily confused with 'totte' (take) or 'kayotte' (attend) if not careful.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

行く (Iku) - To go 道 (Michi) - Road 公園 (Kouen) - Park を (Wo) - Object particle て形 (Te-form) - Conjunctive form

Apprends ensuite

寄る (Yoru) - To stop by 曲がる (Magaru) - To turn 渡る (Wataru) - To cross 経由 (Keiyu) - Via (formal) 通過 (Tsuuka) - Transit

Avancé

を経て (Wo hete) - After passing through 貫く (Tsuranuku) - To pierce through 疎通 (Sotsuu) - Mutual understanding 融通 (Yuuzuu) - Flexibility

Grammaire à connaître

Te-form for Sequence

公園を通って、カフェに行きました。

Particle 'Wo' for Space

空を飛ぶ、道を歩く、公園を通る。

Te-form as Method/Means

裏道を通って時間を短縮する。

Causative 'Toorasete'

すみません、通らせてください。

Te-form + Iku/Kuru

ここを通って行こう。

Exemples par niveau

1

公園を通って行きます。

I go by passing through the park.

Uses 'wo' to mark the park as the space being passed through.

2

この道を通って。

Pass through this street.

Imperative-like use of the te-form for simple directions.

3

店を通って、駅に行きます。

I pass the shop and go to the station.

Connects two actions using the te-form.

4

橋を通ってください。

Please pass through/over the bridge.

Formal request using 'kudasai'.

5

門を通って、中に入ります。

Pass through the gate and go inside.

Describes a sequence of entering.

6

あそこを通って。

Pass through there.

Uses a demonstrative pronoun 'asoko'.

7

トンネルを通って、海に行きました。

We went to the sea through a tunnel.

Past tense 'ikimashita' at the end of the sentence.

8

学校を通って、帰ります。

I go home by passing through the school.

Describes a route home.

1

コンビニの前を通って、銀行に行きます。

I pass in front of the convenience store and go to the bank.

Combines 'mae' (front) with 'wo tootte'.

2

新宿を通って、渋谷へ行きます。

I go to Shibuya via Shinjuku.

Describes a city-scale route.

3

この細い道を通って、近道しましょう。

Let's take a shortcut by passing through this narrow street.

Uses 'chikamichi' (shortcut).

4

毎日、この公園を通って通勤しています。

Every day, I commute by passing through this park.

Uses 'tsuukin' (commuting) in the continuous form.

5

信号を通って、右に曲がってください。

Pass through the traffic light and turn right.

Standard directional instruction.

6

裏道を通って行けば、早いです。

If you go via the back roads, it's faster.

Uses the conditional 'ba' form.

7

森を通って、湖に着きました。

We arrived at the lake after passing through the forest.

Describes the completion of a journey.

8

デパートの中を通って行けますよ。

You can go by passing through the department store.

Uses 'naka' (inside) to specify the path.

1

多くの困難を通って、成功しました。

He succeeded after passing through many difficulties.

Metaphorical use of 'tootte' for life experiences.

2

このバスは市役所を通って空港へ行きます。

This bus goes to the airport via the City Hall.

Formal route description.

3

検問所を通って、国境を越えました。

We crossed the border after passing through the checkpoint.

Describes a formal procedure of passage.

4

光がカーテンを通って部屋に入ってくる。

Light enters the room through the curtains.

Describes the movement of non-physical entities like light.

5

彼は有名な大学を通って、医者になった。

He became a doctor after going through a famous university.

Metaphorical use for education/career paths.

6

このパイプを通って水が流れます。

Water flows through this pipe.

Technical description of flow.

7

改札を通って、ホームへ向かってください。

Please pass through the ticket gate and head to the platform.

Specific vocabulary 'kaisatsu' (ticket gate).

8

歴史の試練を通って、国は成長した。

The country grew after passing through the trials of history.

Abstract historical usage.

1

手続きを通って、ようやく許可が下りた。

After going through the procedures, the permit was finally granted.

Refers to administrative processes.

2

この法律は議会を通って、来月から施行される。

This law passed through parliament and will be enforced from next month.

Political/Legal context for 'passing'.

3

審査を通って、本選に出場が決まった。

After passing the screening, participation in the main competition was decided.

Used for qualifying rounds or auditions.

4

彼は苦労を通って、人間的に成長した。

Through his hardships, he grew as a person.

Nuanced metaphorical growth.

5

地下道を通って行けば、雨に濡れません。

If you go via the underground passage, you won't get wet in the rain.

Practical advice for urban navigation.

6

そのニュースは通信社を通って世界に広まった。

The news spread to the world through news agencies.

Describes the channel of information flow.

7

厳しい冬を通って、春がやってきた。

Spring has come after passing through a harsh winter.

Poetic use for the passage of time/seasons.

8

このトンネルを通って、反対側の町へ抜けられます。

You can pass through this tunnel and come out in the town on the other side.

Emphasizes the completion of the passage with 'nukeru'.

1

幾多の変遷を通って、現在の形になった。

Through many transitions, it has taken its current form.

Formal academic tone.

2

この作品は、作者の深い葛藤を通って生み出された。

This work was created through the author's deep inner conflict.

High-level literary analysis.

3

正当なルートを通って、抗議文を提出した。

I submitted a protest letter through the proper channels.

Refers to official protocols and 'channels'.

4

伝統は、世代を通って受け継がれていく。

Tradition is passed down through the generations.

Describes temporal and cultural transmission.

5

その理論は、実験を通って証明された。

The theory was proven through experiments.

Scientific methodology context.

6

彼は、数々の修羅場を通って、今の地位を築いた。

He built his current position by passing through numerous 'shuraba' (scenes of carnage/tough situations).

Uses idiomatic 'shuraba'.

7

言葉は、文化のフィルターを通って翻訳される。

Words are translated through the filter of culture.

Abstract linguistic concept.

8

この水は、幾層もの岩盤を通ってろ過されている。

This water is filtered through many layers of bedrock.

Detailed physical description of a natural process.

1

真理は、沈黙を通ってのみ語られることがある。

Truth is sometimes spoken only through silence.

Philosophical/Zen-like paradox.

2

法案は、熾烈な議論の末に委員会を通って可決された。

After fierce debate, the bill passed the committee and was approved.

Complex political terminology.

3

その思想は、長い年月を通って洗練されてきた。

That thought has been refined through many years.

Describes the evolution of intellectual history.

4

彼は、生死の境を通って、人生観が変わった。

Having passed through the border of life and death, his outlook on life changed.

Refers to near-death experiences or extreme hardship.

5

情報は、権力者の意図を通って歪められた。

Information was distorted through the intentions of those in power.

Critical sociopolitical analysis.

6

この道は、かつてのシルクロードを通ってヨーロッパへ続く。

This road continues to Europe via the former Silk Road.

Historical/Geographical sweep.

7

美は、見る者の心を通って完成される。

Beauty is completed through the heart of the beholder.

Aesthetic philosophy.

8

万物は、流転を通って永遠に至る。

All things reach eternity through the cycle of change (flux).

Metaphysical/Cosmological scale.

Collocations courantes

公園を通って
トンネルを通って
裏道を通って
検問を通って
改札を通って
審査を通って
窓を通って
喉を通って
正規のルートを通って
商店街を通って

Phrases Courantes

ここを通っていいですか?

— May I pass through here? Used when someone is blocking your way.

すみません、ここを通っていいですか?

近道を通って

— Taking a shortcut. Used when you want to reach a place faster.

近道を通って行きましょう。

大通りを通って

— Passing via the main street. Often safer or easier to find.

夜は大通りを通って帰ってください。

人混みを通って

— Passing through a crowd. Implies difficulty or busyness.

人混みを通ってやっと着いた。

橋を通って

— Going via the bridge. Common in geographical descriptions.

あの橋を通って向こう岸へ行きます。

踏切を通って

— Passing through a railroad crossing.

踏切を通って、学校へ行く。

玄関を通って

— Passing through the entrance/foyer.

玄関を通って、客間へ案内された。

試験を通って

— Metaphorical: Having passed the test (often 'goukakusuru' is preferred, but this is heard).

厳しい試験を通って、合格した。

山道を通って

— Passing through a mountain path.

険しい山道を通って、頂上を目指す。

細い道を通って

— Passing through a narrow path.

細い道を通って、隠れ家レストランへ行く。

Souvent confondu avec

〜通って vs 取って (Totte)

The te-form of 'toru' (to take). Sounds almost identical but has no double 'o' sound and a different meaning.

〜通って vs 通って (Kayotte)

The te-form of 'kayou' (to attend/commute). Means going back and forth regularly, not just passing through once.

〜通って vs 寄って (Yotte)

The te-form of 'yoru' (to stop by). Implies a temporary stop, whereas 'tootte' implies transit.

Expressions idiomatiques

"喉を通らない"

— Unable to eat due to worry, sadness, or sickness. Literally 'doesn't pass the throat'.

心配で食事が喉を通らない。

Common
"筋が通って"

— Being logical or consistent. Literally 'the thread passes through'.

彼の話は筋が通っている。

Common
"風が通って"

— Well-ventilated or airy. Literally 'wind passes through'.

この部屋は風が通って気持ちいい。

Neutral
"話が通って"

— The message being understood or reaching the right person.

すでに担当者に話が通っている。

Business
"通り一遍の"

— Perfunctory or superficial. Literally 'just passing through once'.

通り一遍の挨拶で済ませた。

Formal
"通りが良い"

— Having a good reputation or being well-known in a specific circle.

彼は業界では通りが良い。

Neutral
"鼻が通って"

— One's nose being clear (not stuffed). Literally 'nose passes through'.

薬を飲んだら鼻が通った。

Informal
"首が通って"

— Rare/Archaic: To have a proposal or person accepted through a barrier.

ようやく案が通って安心した。

Old-fashioned
"目を通って"

— Actually 'me wo toosu' (to look over), but 'tootte' can describe the path of vision.

書類に目を通してください。

Business
"裏を通って"

— Doing things 'under the table' or via the back door (secretly).

裏を通って交渉を進める。

Informal

Facile à confondre

〜通って vs 通る (Tooru)

Root verb of tootte.

Tooru is the dictionary form; tootte is the conjunctive form used to link sentences or describe a route in progress.

車が道を通る。

〜通って vs 通う (Kayou)

Both use the same kanji 通.

Kayou means to attend a place (like school) regularly. Tooru means to physically pass through a space.

大学に通っています。

〜通って vs 通過 (Tsuuka)

Similar meaning 'passage'.

Tsuuka is a noun/suru-verb often used for things like trains not stopping at a station or passing a physical point without interacting.

台風が通過した。

〜通って vs 経由 (Keiyu)

Both translate to 'via'.

Keiyu is formal and often used for flight connections or official travel documents. Tootte is conversational.

香港経由でパリへ。

〜通って vs 抜ける (Nukeru)

Both mean 'pass through'.

Nukeru emphasizes coming out the other side or leaving an enclosed space. Tootte is more about the path itself.

トンネルを抜ける。

Structures de phrases

A1

[Place] を 通って 行きます。

公園を通って行きます。

A2

[Place] を 通って、[Verb/Direction]。

橋を通って、右に曲がります。

B1

[Abstract Concept] を 通って、[Result]。

困難を通って、強くなった。

B2

[Official Route] を 通って、[Destination] へ向かう。

正規のルートを通って、申請を行う。

C1

[Process] を 通って、[Refinement] される。

議論を通って、案が洗練される。

A2

[Shortcut] を 通って 行けば 早いです。

裏道を通って行けば早いです。

B1

[Medium] を 通って [Something] が入る。

窓を通って光が入る。

A2

[Landmark] の前を 通って 行く。

銀行の前を通って行く。

Famille de mots

Noms

通り (Toori) - Street/Road
通過 (Tsuuka) - Passage/Transit
開通 (Kaitsuu) - Opening to traffic
交通 (Koutsuu) - Traffic/Transportation

Verbes

通る (Tooru) - To pass through
通す (Toosu) - To let through/To stick through
通う (Kayou) - To commute/attend regularly
通りかかる (Toorikakaru) - To happen to pass by

Adjectifs

通じやすい (Tsuujiyasui) - Easy to understand/communicate
通り一遍な (Tooriippen-na) - Superficial

Apparenté

道 (Michi) - Path
経路 (Keiro) - Route
経由 (Keiyu) - Via
近道 (Chikamichi) - Shortcut
回り道 (Mawarimichi) - Detour

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily navigation and commuting contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • 公園に通って行きます。 公園を通って行きます。

    You must use 'wo' for the space you move through. 'Ni' implies you are going 'to' the park to stay there.

  • 学校を通っています (Meaning: I attend school). 学校に通っています (Kayotte).

    Tooru/Tootte is for passing through. Kayou/Kayotte is for attending regularly.

  • コンビニを通って、パンを買いました。 コンビニに寄って、パンを買いました。

    If you stopped to buy something, use 'yotte' (stop by). 'Tootte' implies you just walked past it.

  • 試験を通ってうれしい。 試験に合格してうれしい。

    While 'tooru' can mean pass, 'goukakusuru' is the standard for exams. 'Tootte' in te-form is mostly for physical routes.

  • トンネルを通りて (Toorite). トンネルを通って (Tootte).

    The te-form of 'tooru' is 'tootte', not 'toorite'. This is a basic conjugation error.

Astuces

The 'Wo' Rule

Always remember that the place you are passing through is the object of the movement, so it needs the particle 'wo'. This is a common point of failure for beginners.

Double the T

Make sure to emphasize the small 'tsu' (っ). If you say 'tote' instead of 'tootte', it might be misunderstood or sound unnatural.

Route vs. Destination

Use 'tootte' for the middle of the trip and 'ni' or 'e' for the end. It helps the listener build a mental map of your journey.

Shortcut Secret

Combine 'tootte' with 'chikamichi' (shortcut) to sound like a local: 'Chikamichi wo tootte ikou!' (Let's go via a shortcut!)

Passing People

If you are in a crowd, 'Toorimasu' (I'm passing through) is the polite way to let people know you are coming through.

Kanji Recognition

The kanji 通 is very common. Associate it with 'communication' and 'passing' to remember its various meanings like 'tsuushin' (communication).

Sentence Linking

Use 'tootte' to avoid short, choppy sentences. Instead of 'I go to the park. Then I go to the station,' say 'I go to the station via the park.'

Shrine Etiquette

When passing through a Torii gate, it's polite to bow once. You can describe this as 'Torii wo tootte...'.

Train Announcements

When you hear 'Tsuuka shimasu' on a platform, stand back! It means the train is 'passing through' at high speed without stopping.

Metaphorical Paths

Don't be afraid to use 'tootte' for life experiences once you reach B1/B2. It makes your Japanese sound more soulful and descriptive.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'TOOT-TOOT' train passing through a tunnel. The train goes 'TOOT-te' through the tunnel.

Association visuelle

Visualize a bright red line cutting through a green park on a map. The line is 'tootte'.

Word Web

Path Bridge Gate Via Street Transit Shortcut Tunnel

Défi

Try to describe your route to the nearest grocery store using 'tootte' at least twice in one minute.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'tooru', which has been used since the Nara period (8th century) to describe movement through space or the reaching of a destination.

Sens originel : To penetrate, to reach the other side, or to go along a path.

Japonic (Yamato Kotoba).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when saying 'Toorasete kudasai' (Please let me pass). In a very crowded train, it is polite, but pushing through while saying it can be seen as rude if not done gently.

In English, we often say 'go through' for both physical and emotional states. Japanese 'tootte' is similar but strictly requires the 'wo' particle for physical space.

The song 'Tooryanse' - A traditional Japanese children's song about passing through a narrow path to a shrine. Studio Ghibli films - Often feature characters 'tootte' (passing through) magical tunnels or forests (e.g., My Neighbor Totoro). Tokyo Metro Maps - Use 'tootte' in their audio guides for route transfers.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Giving Directions

  • この道を通って
  • 信号を通って
  • 橋を通って
  • まっすぐ行って

Daily Commute

  • 新宿を通って
  • 毎日通って
  • 電車で通って
  • 歩いて通って

In a Crowd

  • 通ってください
  • 通ります
  • 通らせて
  • ちょっと通して

Travel/Sightseeing

  • 古い町並みを通って
  • 山道を通って
  • トンネルを通って
  • 有名な門を通って

Weather/Nature

  • 台風が通って
  • 風が通って
  • 光が通って
  • 川が通って

Amorces de conversation

"駅に行くとき、いつもどの道を通っていますか? (Which road do you usually take to the station?)"

"公園を通って散歩するのは好きですか? (Do you like taking walks through the park?)"

"ここから一番近い近道は、どこを通ればいいですか? (Which way should I pass to find the nearest shortcut?)"

"仕事に行くとき、新宿を通りますか? (Do you pass through Shinjuku on your way to work?)"

"このトンネルを通ったことがありますか? (Have you ever passed through this tunnel?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、どこを通ってここに来ましたか?途中で何を見ましたか? (Where did you pass through to get here today? What did you see on the way?)

あなたが一番好きな散歩コースは、どこを通りますか?理由も書いてください。 (Which path does your favorite walking course take? Write the reasons too.)

子供の頃、学校へ行くとき、どんな道を通っていましたか? (What kind of roads did you pass through when you went to school as a child?)

もし秘密の通路があったら、どこを通ってどこへ行きたいですか? (If there was a secret passage, where would you want to pass through and go?)

旅行で通った道の中で、一番美しかったのはどこですか? (Which road that you passed through on a trip was the most beautiful?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use 'wo'. Using 'ni' with 'tooru' usually implies arriving at a path or becoming something, which doesn't fit the 'passing through' meaning.

Tootte is used in daily conversation (e.g., passing through a park). Keiyu is formal and used for travel routes like flight transfers.

While 'shiken ni tooru' is possible, it's more common to use 'goukakusuru'. In the te-form, 'shiken wo tootte' sounds like you physically walked through the exam room.

It is the te-form of the verb '通る' (tooru). However, in the phrase '〜通って', it functions like a directional particle or adverbial phrase.

You use the causative form: 'Toorasete kudasai' (Please let me pass).

No, 'tootte' usually implies you just passed through. If you stopped, use 'yotte'.

Yes, 'Hikari ga mado wo tootte...' (Light passing through the window...) is perfectly natural.

Yes, if you are describing the *route* (e.g., 'I go via Shinjuku'). If you mean 'I attend school', use 'kayotte'.

Usually 'tooranai de' (without passing through) or 'toorazu ni'.

In formal or literary Japanese, yes (e.g., 'passing through the years'), but 'wo hete' is more common for time.

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence: 'I go to the station via the park.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Please pass through this street.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I went home via Shinjuku.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Let's take a shortcut.' (Use tootte and chikamichi)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Light enters through the window.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'The bus goes to the airport via the city hall.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I passed through the ticket gate.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Please let me pass.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I passed through many difficulties.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Water flows through the pipe.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I go to work via the shopping district.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Turn left after passing the traffic light.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'The news spread through the internet.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'He became a teacher after going through university.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'We crossed the bridge.' (Use tootte and wataru)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I pass the convenience store every morning.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'The typhoon is passing through Kyushu.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I went to the other side through the tunnel.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'Please pass through the gate.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence: 'I took the back road because of the traffic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe your route to school or work using 'tootte'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask someone if you can pass through a narrow space.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Give directions to a park via a bridge.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain why you are late (using a shortcut/backroad).

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Tell a friend to pass through the gate first.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a train route using 'tootte'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say you pass a convenience store on your way.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask if a bus goes via the airport.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe light coming through curtains.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say you passed a difficult exam.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Suggest taking a shortcut through a park.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain a water leak through a wall.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Politely ask a group of people to let you pass.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a historical route you traveled.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say the wind feels good passing through.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Confirm a route with a taxi driver.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say your nose is clear after a cold.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain a logical point in a meeting.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a bird flying through the sky.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say you went through a lot of trouble.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Kouen wo tootte eki ni ikimasu.' Where did the person pass?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Shinjuku wo toorimasu ka?' What is the speaker asking?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Toorasete kudasai.' What does the person want?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Uramichi wo tootte chikamichi shimashou.' What is the plan?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Kono densha wa tsuuka shimasu.' Will the train stop?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Mado wo tootte kaze ga hairu.' What is coming in?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Kaisatsu wo tootte kudasai.' Where should you go?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Suji ga tootte iru ne.' What is the speaker's opinion?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Hashi wo tootte watarimashita.' How did they cross?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Shiken wo tootte ureshii.' Why is the person happy?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Tonneru wo tootte umi e.' Where are they going?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Hana ga toorimashita.' Is the person sick?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Shoutengai wo tootte kaerimasu.' What is the route home?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Keiyu de ikimasu.' Is it formal or informal?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to: 'Tooriame da ne.' What kind of weather is it?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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