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B1 verb #1,200 よく出る 10分で読める

伝わる

to be transmitted (e.g., disease); to spread

tsutawaru 上位1,200

At the A1 level, you should learn 'tsutawaru' in the context of simple feelings and basic information. It is often used with 'kimochi' (feelings) or 'koto' (thing/matter). For example, 'Kimochi ga tsutawaru' means 'My feelings are understood.' At this stage, just focus on the idea that something moves from one person to another's heart or mind. You don't need to worry about complex physics or historical contexts yet. Think of it as the 'result' of speaking. If you speak well, your message 'tsutawaru'. It is a useful word to express that you are happy someone understood what you meant, especially when your Japanese is still developing. You might say 'Tsutawatta?' to ask 'Did you get what I meant?' in a very informal way.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'tsutawaru' for news and rumors. You will see it in sentences like 'News ga tsutawaru' (The news spreads). You should also learn the difference between 'tsutaeru' (to tell) and 'tsutawaru' (to be told/spread). At this level, you might use it to describe how you heard a story: 'Tomodachi kara tsutawatta' (I heard it from a friend / It was transmitted from a friend). You can also begin to use it for physical things like sound or heat in simple sentences, such as 'Tonari no heya no oto ga tsutawaru' (Sound from the next room carries through). This level focuses on the word as a way to describe how information moves through your immediate social circle.

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At the B1 level, you should master the use of 'tsutawaru' for traditions and cultural heritage. This is a very common theme in B1-level reading materials about Japan. Phrases like 'Edo-jidai kara tsutawaru' (Handed down since the Edo period) are essential. You should also be comfortable using the particle 'o' with 'tsutawaru' to describe movement along a path, such as 'Kabe o tsutawaru' (Moving along the wall). This is also the stage where you use 'tsutawaru' to discuss the nuances of communication, such as 'Nuance ga umaku tsutawaranai' (The nuance isn't being conveyed well). You are moving beyond simple 'understanding' to the 'quality' of the transmission.

At the B2 level, 'tsutawaru' appears in more abstract and formal contexts. You will use it to discuss the spread of social movements, the transmission of scientific energy (like conduction or waves), and the subtle impact of literature or art. You should understand the difference between 'tsutawaru' and more specific verbs like 'hiromaru' (spread widely) or 'shintou suru' (permeate). For example, you might analyze how a certain philosophy 'tsutawatta' to a different country and how it changed. You will also encounter it in formal news reports about the spread of diseases or the transmission of official documents. Your ability to use it to describe the 'vibe' or 'atmosphere' of a place (fun'iki ga tsutawaru) becomes more refined.

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At the C1 level, you use 'tsutawaru' to discuss complex historical lineages and the evolution of language. You might explore how certain words 'tsutawatte kita' (have come down to us) and how their meanings have shifted over centuries. In professional settings, you use it to evaluate communication strategies—asking whether the core values of a company are 'tsutawatte iru' (being effectively communicated) to the public. You will also encounter it in classical or semi-classical literature where the 'transmission' might refer to secret teachings (hiden) or spiritual enlightenment. At this level, the word carries a sense of weight, continuity, and the successful bridging of vast gaps in time, space, or culture.

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At the C2 level, 'tsutawaru' is used with high precision in philosophical and academic discourse. You might discuss the 'limitations of what can be transmitted' (tsutawaru koto no genkai) in the context of phenomenology or linguistics. You will be able to distinguish between the spontaneous transmission of folk culture and the institutionalized 'keishou' (inheritance) of high art. You can use the word to describe the most subtle physical phenomena, like the transmission of quantum states, or the most profound human experiences that 'tsutawaru' through silence rather than words. At this level, you are a master of the word's versatility, using it to weave together themes of history, science, and the human condition.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

伝わる 30秒で

Tsutawaru is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be transmitted' or 'to spread'.
It is used for feelings, news, physical energy (heat/sound), and historical traditions.
The subject is the thing being transmitted, usually marked with the particle 'ga'.
It differs from 'tsutaeru' (transitive), which means 'to tell' or 'to convey' something.

The Japanese verb 伝わる (tsutawaru) is a fundamental intransitive verb that describes the process of something being transmitted, communicated, or handed down from one point to another. Unlike its transitive counterpart, tsutaeru (to tell/convey), tsutawaru focuses on the result or the state of the message or object reaching its destination. It is a versatile word used in contexts ranging from emotional communication and rumors to physical phenomena like heat and historical traditions.

Emotional Resonance: When you want to say that your feelings or sincerity have successfully reached someone else's heart, you use this word. It implies a natural flow of understanding. For example, 'My gratitude was conveyed' (感謝の気持ちが伝わった).
Physical Transmission: In scientific or everyday physical contexts, it describes the movement of energy. Heat traveling through a metal rod or sound waves moving through the air are both described using tsutawaru.
Information and Rumors: When news or rumors spread through a community, this verb captures the spontaneous nature of that spread. It suggests the information is moving from person to person almost of its own accord.

彼の熱意が私にも伝わってきた。 (His enthusiasm was transmitted to me as well.)

In historical contexts, tsutawaru is essential for discussing traditions, legends, or artifacts that have survived through generations. It implies a lineage or a chain of custody that brings something from the past into the present. This could be a traditional craft, a local folk tale, or even a specific recipe passed down in a family.

この古い寺には、不思議な伝説が伝わっている。 (A mysterious legend has been handed down in this old temple.)

Furthermore, in the digital age, tsutawaru is often used to discuss how well a message is understood across different platforms. Even if you send a message (tsutaeru), it doesn't always mean the nuance tsutawaru (is conveyed) correctly due to the lack of non-verbal cues. This distinction is vital for effective communication in Japanese culture, which values high-context understanding.

Biological Spread: While utsuru is more common for catching a cold, tsutawaru can be used to describe the path or the medium through which a disease or a biological agent spreads across a region or through a population.

壁を伝わって音が聞こえる。 (The sound can be heard traveling through the wall.)

言葉がなくても、思いは伝わる。 (Even without words, thoughts are conveyed.)

In summary, tsutawaru is about the journey and arrival of information, energy, or tradition. It is a word that connects the source to the recipient, emphasizing the successful completion of that connection or the natural path it takes.

Using 伝わる (tsutawaru) correctly requires an understanding of its intransitive nature. In Japanese, verbs are often paired (transitive/intransitive), and tsutawaru focuses on the object that is moving or being felt. Here, we will explore various sentence structures to master its application in daily and formal Japanese.

The Basic Pattern: [Subject] + が + 伝わる: This is the most common usage. The subject is the information or feeling. 'News was transmitted' becomes ニュースが伝わった. It emphasizes that the news reached the people, rather than who told it.

そのニュースはすぐに町中に伝わった。 (That news immediately spread throughout the town.)

When discussing the medium or the path, we use the particle を. This is a special usage of the intransitive verb where the particle indicates the space through which the movement occurs. For example, 'water running down a cheek' or 'vibrations traveling through the floor'.

涙が頬を伝わって落ちた。 (Tears ran down [along] her cheeks and fell.)

Communicating Intent: [Intent] + が + [Recipient] + に + 伝わる: When you want to specify who received the message, use the particle に. 'My true intentions were finally understood by him' is 自分の真意がようやく彼に伝わった.

あなたの優しさは、きっと相手に伝わります。 (Your kindness will surely be felt by the other person.)

In formal or historical writing, tsutawaru often appears in the passive-like form tsutawarete iru (is said/is handed down). This is used when the origin is ancient or the exact source is unknown, but the tradition persists.

この技術は江戸時代から代々伝わっている。 (This technique has been handed down from generation to generation since the Edo period.)

Finally, consider the negative form tsutawaranai. This is frequently used when there is a misunderstanding or a language barrier. It doesn't mean you didn't speak; it means the essence of what you said didn't reach the other person.

言葉が通じなくて、言いたいことがうまく伝わらない。 (The language doesn't get through, so what I want to say isn't being conveyed well.)

By mastering these patterns, you can describe everything from the spread of a virus to the deep emotional connection between friends, all with the single, powerful verb tsutawaru.

The word 伝わる (tsutawaru) is ubiquitous in Japanese life, appearing in emotional dramas, scientific documentaries, historical tours, and everyday office communication. Understanding the context helps you grasp the subtle nuances of the word.

In Romantic Dramas and Literature: Characters often agonize over whether their feelings (omoi) are reaching the person they love. You will hear lines like 'I want my feelings to reach you' (想いが伝わってほしい). Here, it represents the bridge between two souls.

「君の気持ち、ちゃんと伝わってるよ。」 ("Your feelings are definitely reaching me.")

In the workplace, tsutawaru is used to check for mutual understanding. A manager might ask, 'Is the purpose of this project being communicated to the team?' (プロジェクトの趣旨がチームに伝わっていますか？). It shifts the focus from the manager's ability to speak to the team's ability to comprehend.

News and Media: News anchors use it when reporting on the spread of information or rumors. 'Information about the earthquake spread quickly via social media' (震災の情報はSNSを通じて瞬く間に伝わった). It is also used for the spread of infectious diseases in a more formal, geographical sense.

デマがネット上で急速に伝わってしまった。 (The false rumor unfortunately spread rapidly on the internet.)

Tourism and history are another major domain. When visiting Kyoto or Nara, tour guides frequently use tsutawaru to describe the lineage of temples, statues, and rituals. They might say, 'This statue is said to have been brought from China' (この仏像は中国から伝わったとされています). It adds a sense of historical weight and continuity.

古くからこの地域に伝わる祭りです。 (This is a festival that has been handed down in this region since ancient times.)

In scientific contexts, such as weather reports or physics explanations, you'll hear about heat (netsu) or vibrations (shindo) traveling. 'The heat from the stove travels to the pan' (ストーブの熱が鍋に伝わる). This usage is precise and objective.

Art and Performance: Art critics use it to describe the impact of a piece. 'The artist's pain is transmitted through the canvas' (画家の苦悩がキャンバスから伝わってくる). It describes an evocative experience where the viewer feels what the creator felt.

彼の歌声からは、切なさが伝わってくる。 (From his singing voice, a sense of sadness is conveyed [to the listener].)

Whether you are reading a history book, watching a tear-jerker anime, or discussing heat insulation in a house, tsutawaru is the bridge that connects the source to the destination.

While 伝わる (tsutawaru) is a common word, its status as an intransitive verb makes it a frequent source of errors for English speakers, whose language often uses the same verb for both transitive and intransitive actions (e.g., 'The news spread' vs. 'He spread the news').

Mistake 1: Confusing 伝わる (Intransitive) with 伝える (Transitive): This is the most common error. Tsutaeru (伝える) requires an agent (I, he, she) and an object (the message). Tsutawaru (伝わる) focuses on the message itself reaching the destination. You cannot say 'I tsutawaru the news.' It must be 'The news tsutawaru.'

❌ 私は彼にニュースを伝わった。
✅ 私は彼にニュースを伝えた。
✅ ニュースが彼に伝わった。

Another common mistake involves particle usage. Because tsutawaru is intransitive, it usually takes が for the subject. Using を for the thing being transmitted is incorrect unless you are describing the path it travels along (like a wall or a wire).

Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle with the Recipient: When information reaches a person, that person is the destination and should be marked with に. Using で or を for the person is a common mistake. 'It reached him' is 彼に伝わった.

❌ 彼をニュースが伝わった。
✅ 彼にニュースが伝わった。

Mistake 3: Overusing tsutawaru for 'Understanding'. While tsutawaru implies understanding, it specifically means the communication was successful. If you just want to say 'I understand the math problem,' use wakaru. Use tsutawaru when there is a sender and a receiver involved.

Mistake 4: Tense Errors in Tradition: When talking about a tradition that still exists, use the continuous form tsutawarete iru (伝わっている). Using the simple present tsutawaru makes it sound like a general scientific fact rather than a living tradition.

✅ この話は今もこの町に伝わっている。 (This story is still handed down in this town today.)

By being mindful of transitivity and the specific role of particles, you can avoid these common pitfalls and use tsutawaru like a native speaker.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 伝わる (tsutawaru). Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about rumors, physical movement, or deep understanding.

広まる (Hiromaru) vs. 伝わる: Hiromaru means 'to spread out' or 'to become widespread'. While tsutawaru focuses on the transmission from A to B, hiromaru focuses on the expansion of the area or the number of people who know. Use hiromaru for trends or rumors that cover a large area.
届く (Todoku) vs. 伝わる: Todoku means 'to reach' or 'to arrive'. It is often used for physical mail or reaching a high shelf. When used emotionally, like omoi ga todoku, it implies that your feelings finally reached the person and were perhaps accepted, whereas tsutawaru just means they were understood.

噂がすぐに広まった。 (The rumor spread quickly [widely].)

For more formal or academic contexts, you might encounter 伝達される (dentatsu sareru). This is the passive form of 'to transmit' and is used in technical manuals or official reports. It lacks the emotional warmth of tsutawaru.

浸透する (Shintō suru) vs. 伝わる: Shintō suru means 'to permeate' or 'to soak in'. It is used when an idea or a new policy becomes deeply rooted in a society or an organization. Tsutawaru is the initial transmission; shintō suru is the deep acceptance that follows.

新しい規則が社員に浸透してきた。 (The new rules have begun to permeate [be accepted by] the employees.)

When discussing traditions being passed down, 継承される (keishō sareru) is a more formal alternative. It specifically means 'to be inherited' or 'to succeed to a heritage'. While tsutawaru describes the fact that the tradition exists, keishō sareru emphasizes the act of passing the torch.

伝統文化が次世代に継承される。 (Traditional culture is inherited by the next generation.)

Understanding these distinctions allows you to be more precise. Use tsutawaru as your 'go-to' word for the general phenomenon of transmission, and reach for these alternatives when you need to specify the scale, depth, or formality of the process.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"本件の趣旨が、関係各所に正確に伝わるよう配慮いたします。"

ニュートラル

"彼の気持ちがよく伝わりました。"

カジュアル

"今の、伝わった？"

Child friendly

"むかしからつたわっている、おもしろいおはなしだよ。"

スラング

"それ、めっちゃ伝わるわー。"

豆知識

In ancient Japan, 'tsutawaru' was often used for the physical act of walking along a narrow path or a rope, which explains why we still use 'o' to describe moving along a wall today.

発音ガイド

UK /tsɯtawaɾɯ/

US /tsuta'waɾu/

The pitch usually rises on 'ta' and stays high until 'ru', where it may drop slightly depending on the sentence context.

韻が合う語

Kawaru (to change) Kuwawaru (to join) Osowaru (to be taught) Satawaru (to be finished - rare) Mizuwaru (to dilute with water) Tamawaru (to receive - humble) Sawaru (to touch) Owaru (to end)

よくある間違い

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
Over-emphasizing the final 'u'.
Making the 'r' sound like an English 'L' or 'R'.
Confusing the pitch with 'tsutaeru'.
Stressing the wrong syllable.

難易度

読解 3/5

The kanji is common, but the various meanings (physical vs. abstract) require context.

ライティング 3/5

The kanji 伝 is basic, but remembering the intransitive ending 'waru' is key.

スピーキング 4/5

Distinguishing it from 'tsutaeru' in real-time is a common challenge for learners.

リスニング 3/5

Easily recognized in emotional or historical contexts.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

伝える (tsutaeru) 話す (hanasu) 聞く (kiku) 気持ち (kimochi) ニュース (nyuusu)

次に学ぶ

広まる (hiromaru) 浸透する (shintou suru) 継承する (keishou suru) 伝達 (dentatsu) 普及 (fukyuu)

上級

流布 (rufu) 相伝 (souden) 伝播 (denpa) 伝導 (dendou)

知っておくべき文法

Intransitive Verbs (Jidoushi)

ニュースが伝わる。 (The news spreads.)

Te-iru for State

伝説が伝わっている。 (A legend is handed down.)

Particle 'o' for Path

壁を伝わって音が聞こえる。 (Sound is heard along the wall.)

Potential Form (Tsutawaru is already spontaneous, but 'tsutawareru' exists)

想いが伝わればいい。 (I hope my feelings can be conveyed.)

Causative-Passive (Tsutawaraseru)

熱を伝わらせる。 (To make the heat transmit.)

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レベル別の例文

気持ちが伝わりました。

My feelings were conveyed.

Uses the polite past form of the verb.

話が伝わらない。

The story/talk isn't getting through.

Negative form indicating a failure in communication.

ニュースが伝わった。

The news was transmitted.

Simple past tense with the subject marker 'ga'.

声が伝わる。

The voice carries/is transmitted.

Present tense describing a general fact.

思いが伝わってほしい。

I want my thoughts/feelings to be conveyed.

Te-form + hoshii to express a desire for the action to happen.

音がよく伝わります。

The sound travels well.

Adverb 'yoku' (well) modifying the verb.

名前が伝わった。

The name was passed on.

Simple past tense.

熱が伝わる。

Heat is transmitted.

Basic physical description.

噂がすぐに伝わった。

The rumor spread immediately.

Adverb 'sugu ni' (immediately) used with the past tense.

手紙で気持ちが伝わった。

My feelings were conveyed through the letter.

Particle 'de' indicates the means (the letter).

この話は友達から伝わった。

I heard this story from a friend.

Particle 'kara' indicates the source of the information.

隣の部屋のテレビの音が伝わってくる。

The sound of the TV in the next room is coming through.

Te-form + kuru indicates the sound is moving toward the speaker.

彼の熱意がみんなに伝わった。

His enthusiasm was transmitted to everyone.

Particle 'ni' indicates the recipients (everyone).

電波が伝わりにくい場所です。

This is a place where radio waves don't transmit easily.

Verb stem + 'nikui' means 'difficult to do'.

いいニュースが伝わってきた。

Good news has reached us.

Te-form + kita (past of kuru).

その情報はまだ伝わっていない。

That information hasn't been transmitted yet.

Te-iru negative form for a state that hasn't happened yet.

この料理の作り方は代々伝わっている。

The way to make this dish has been handed down for generations.

Daida (generation to generation) + tsutawatte iru (state).

壁を伝わって音が聞こえる。

The sound is heard traveling along the wall.

Particle 'o' indicates the path (the wall).

言葉のニュアンスがうまく伝わらない。

The nuance of the words isn't being conveyed well.

Focuses on the quality of communication.

古い伝説がこの村に伝わっている。

An old legend is handed down in this village.

Used for historical/cultural continuity.

彼の誠実さが表情から伝わってきた。

His sincerity was conveyed through his expression.

Source marked with 'kara'.

振動が床を伝わって響く。

The vibration travels through the floor and echoes.

Describes physical propagation.

感謝の気持ちが十分に伝わった。

My feelings of gratitude were fully conveyed.

Adverb 'jubun ni' (sufficiently).

その文化はシルクロードを通って日本に伝わった。

That culture reached Japan via the Silk Road.

Describes historical movement across geography.

作者の意図が読者に正確に伝わる。

The author's intention is accurately conveyed to the readers.

Focuses on the accuracy of abstract communication.

熱が金属の棒を伝わっていく。

Heat travels along the metal rod.

Te-form + iku indicates movement away from a point.

不穏な空気が現場に伝わった。

An unsettling atmosphere spread through the scene.

Metaphorical transmission of 'atmosphere'.

この習慣は明治時代に西洋から伝わったものだ。

This custom was introduced from the West during the Meiji era.

Noun-modifying clause ending in 'mono da'.

真実が伝わるまでには時間がかかる。

It takes time for the truth to be known/conveyed.

Temporal clause using 'made ni wa'.

彼の歌には、聴く人の心に伝わる力がある。

His songs have the power to reach the hearts of listeners.

Relative clause modifying 'chikara' (power).

情報は歪められて伝わってしまった。

The information was unfortunately transmitted in a distorted way.

Passive 'yugamerarete' combined with 'tsutawatte shimatta'.

この仏像には当時の技術の高さが伝わっている。

The high level of technology of that time is evident in this Buddha statue.

Used to mean 'is evident' or 'is reflected'.

古典文学を通じて、当時の人々の価値観が現代に伝わる。

Through classical literature, the values of people from that time are conveyed to the present day.

Formal structure using 'tsujite' (through).

言葉の壁を超えて、芸術の素晴らしさが伝わった。

The brilliance of art was conveyed, transcending the language barrier.

Abstract usage involving 'transcending' (koete).

経営陣の危機感が社員一人ひとりにまで伝わっているか疑問だ。

I doubt whether the management's sense of crisis has reached every single employee.

Complex sentence with 'ka gimon da' (it is a question whether).

その秘伝の技は、限られた門弟にのみ伝わってきた。

That secret technique has been handed down only to a limited number of disciples.

Uses 'nomi' (only) for exclusivity.

万葉集には、古代の息吹が今もなお伝わっている。

In the Man'yoshu, the breath of ancient times is still conveyed even now.

Literary expression 'breath of ancient times'.

情報の断片が伝わるたびに、人々の不安は増していった。

Every time a fragment of information was transmitted, people's anxiety increased.

Grammar 'tabi ni' (every time).

行間から筆者の苦悩がひしひしと伝わってくる。

The author's suffering is conveyed poignantly from between the lines.

Onomatopoeia 'hishihishi' (poignantly/keenly).

宗教的な教えが、土着の信仰と混ざり合って伝わった。

Religious teachings were transmitted while mixing with indigenous beliefs.

Describes cultural syncretism.

言語化不可能な直観が、沈黙のうちに伝わることもある。

There are times when non-verbalizable intuition is conveyed within silence.

Philosophical usage of 'verbalization impossible'.

歴史の真実は、往々にして勝者の都合に合わせて伝わるものである。

The truth of history is often transmitted in a way that suits the convenience of the victors.

General truth 'mono de aru'.

神経細胞の間を電気信号が伝わる速度は驚異的だ。

The speed at which electrical signals travel between neurons is phenomenal.

Scientific precision in biology.

失われた文明の断片が、地層を伝わって現代の考古学者に届いた。

Fragments of a lost civilization reached modern archaeologists through the strata of the earth.

Metaphorical use of 'traveling through strata'.

その哲学思想は、翻訳の過程で本来の輝きが伝わらなくなってしまった。

That philosophical thought lost its original brilliance in the process of translation.

Discusses the loss of essence in transmission.

血脈を伝わって受け継がれる情熱が、彼を突き動かしている。

The passion inherited through his bloodline is what drives him.

Poetic use of 'bloodline' as a medium.

情報の伝播速度が極限に達した現代、真意が伝わることはむしろ難しくなっている。

In the modern age where the speed of information propagation has reached its limit, it has ironically become harder for true intentions to be conveyed.

Social commentary on the 'limit of propagation'.

宇宙の深淵から伝わる微かな重力波を、人類はようやく捉えた。

Humanity has finally captured the faint gravitational waves transmitted from the depths of the universe.

Advanced scientific context (gravitational waves).

よく使う組み合わせ

気持ちが伝わる

熱が伝わる

噂が伝わる

代々伝わる

振動が伝わる

意図が伝わる

ニュアンスが伝わる

壁を伝わる

SNSで伝わる

心に伝わる

よく使うフレーズ

伝わればいいのですが

うまく伝わらない

見て伝わる

ひしひしと伝わる

古くから伝わる

人づてに伝わる

瞬く間に伝わる

誤って伝わる

心に響き、伝わる

後世に伝わる

よく混同される語

伝わる vs 伝える (tsutaeru)

Transitive. Use this when you are the one doing the telling.

伝わる vs 広まる (hiromaru)

Focuses on the area/breadth of the spread.

伝わる vs 届く (todoku)

Focuses on the arrival at a destination, often physical.

慣用句と表現

"以心伝心"

Telepathy; heart-to-heart communication without words.

私たちは以心伝心の仲だ。

Common

"頬を伝う涙"

Tears running down one's cheeks (literary variation).

頬を伝う涙を拭った。

Literary

"耳に伝わる"

To reach one's ears (to hear a rumor).

不吉な予言が耳に伝わってきた。

Neutral

"風の便りに伝わる"

To hear something through the grapevine.

彼が結婚したと風の便りに伝わってきた。

Idiomatic

"脈々と伝わる"

To be passed down continuously like a pulse.

伝統の技が脈々と伝わっている。

Literary

"手に取るように伝わる"

To be conveyed so clearly it's as if you could touch it.

彼女の不安が手に取るように伝わった。

Common

"血に伝わる"

To be in the blood (inherited traits).

音楽の才能が血に伝わっている。

Literary

"世に伝わる"

To be known to the world / famous.

世に伝わる名刀。

Formal

"語り継がれて伝わる"

To be passed down through storytelling.

英雄の物語が語り継がれて伝わっている。

Literary

"一子相伝"

Transmission of a secret from a father to only one of his children.

その流派は一子相伝だ。

Formal/Historical

間違えやすい

伝わる vs 移る (utsuru)

Both can mean 'spread'.

Utsuru is specifically for moving from one location to another or catching a disease. Tsutawaru is about the transmission process.

風邪が移る (Catch a cold) vs ニュースが伝わる (News spreads).

伝わる vs 流れる (nagareru)

Both can describe information movement.

Nagareru implies a flow like water or a broadcast. Tsutawaru implies reaching a destination.

音楽が流れる (Music flows/plays) vs 噂が伝わる (Rumor reaches people).

伝わる vs 通じる (tsuujiru)

Both relate to understanding.

Tsuujiru means the 'line' is open or the language is understood. Tsutawaru means the 'content' reached the heart.

言葉が通じる (Language is understood) vs 気持ちが伝わる (Feelings are felt).

伝わる vs 普及する (fukyuu suru)

Both mean 'spread'.

Fukyuu is for products or systems becoming common. Tsutawaru is for specific messages or energy.

ネットが普及する (Internet becomes common) vs 情報が伝わる (Information is transmitted).

伝わる vs 響く (hibiku)

Both describe sound or emotional impact.

Hibiku is 'to echo' or 'to resonate'. Tsutawaru is the 'transmission' itself.

声が響く (Voice echoes) vs 声が伝わる (Voice carries/is heard).

文型パターン

[Subject] が伝わる

気持ちが伝わる。

[Source] から [Subject] が伝わる

友達からニュースが伝わった。

[Path] を伝わって [Verb]

壁を伝わって音が聞こえる。

代々 [Subject] が伝わっている

代々この歌が伝わっている。

[Subject] が [Recipient] に伝わる

意図が相手に伝わる。

[Medium] を通じて [Subject] が伝わる

文学を通じて価値観が伝わる。

[Subject] がひしひしと伝わってくる

緊張がひしひしと伝わってくる。

[Subject] が伝わる速度

信号が伝わる速度を測る。

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Very High in both spoken and written Japanese.

よくある間違い

私は彼にニュースを伝わった。 → 私は彼にニュースを伝えた。
Tsutawaru is intransitive and cannot take a direct object (o) with an agent (I). Use the transitive 'tsutaeru' instead.
彼を気持ちが伝わった。 → 彼に気持ちが伝わった。
The recipient of the transmission must be marked with 'ni', not 'o'.
数学の答えが伝わった。 → 数学の答えがわかった。
If you just mean you understood a solution, use 'wakaru'. 'Tsutawaru' implies a message being sent from someone else.
この伝統は江戸時代に伝わった。 → この伝統は江戸時代から伝わっている。
To describe a tradition that has continued until now, the continuous 'tsutawarete iru' is more natural than the simple past.
熱を伝わる。 → 熱が伝わる。
Since 'tsutawaru' is intransitive, the thing being transmitted (heat) is the subject and takes 'ga'.

ヒント

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that the thing being transmitted is the subject. Use 'ga' with 'tsutawaru'. If you are the subject, use 'tsutaeru' with 'o'.

Emotional Depth

Use 'tsutawaru' when you want to emphasize that someone really 'felt' what you meant. It's deeper than just 'understanding' words.

The Silent Message

In Japan, 'tsutawaru' is often about what is NOT said. Pay attention to non-verbal cues that 'tsutawaru' in social settings.

Heat and Sound

Don't forget the physical meanings! It's the standard word for heat conduction and sound propagation in everyday Japanese.

Tradition Phrases

Memorize 'daidai tsutawaru' (handed down for generations). It's a key phrase for talking about Japanese culture.

Don't use 'o' for people

Never say 'Person o tsutawaru' to mean you told them. Use 'Person ni tsutawaru' (It was conveyed to the person).

Checking Understanding

Ask 'Tsutawatta?' to check if your explanation was clear. It sounds more polite and less demanding than 'Wakatta?'.

Continuous Form

Use 'tsutawarete iru' for legends or customs that still exist today. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the tradition.

Directional Verbs

Notice when 'tsutawaru' is followed by 'kuru' (coming towards) or 'iku' (going away). It tells you the direction of the transmission.

Kanji Meaning

The kanji 伝 also appears in 'tetsudau' (to help). Think of 'helping' a message move along its path.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'Two-Star-War' (tsu-ta-wa-ru) where news of the war is being 'transmitted' across the galaxy.

視覚的連想

Imagine a wave of heat moving from a hot cup through a metal spoon into your hand. That movement is 'tsutawaru'.

Word Web

Message Heat Sound Tradition Rumor Feelings Path Result

チャレンジ

Try to use 'tsutawaru' three times today: once for a feeling, once for a sound you hear, and once for a news story.

語源

The kanji 伝 (den/tsuta) originally depicted a person and a spool of thread, symbolizing the passing or relaying of something from one person to another.

元の意味： To relay; to pass along a path or via a messenger.

Japonic (Yamato Kotoba origin for 'tsutawaru').

文化的な背景

When discussing diseases 'tsutawaru', be careful not to sound like you are blaming a specific group for the spread.

English speakers often use 'understand' or 'get across', but 'tsutawaru' is more passive and focuses on the message's journey.

Ishin-denshin (Buddhist concept) The legend of Momotaro (passed down/tsutawaru) Traditional tea ceremony (passed down/tsutawaru)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Daily Conversation

気持ちが伝わる
うまく伝わらない
話が伝わる
噂が伝わる

Business

意図が伝わる
情報が伝わる
趣旨が伝わる
正確に伝わる

History/Culture

代々伝わる
古くから伝わる
日本に伝わる
伝説が伝わる

Science/Physics

熱が伝わる
音が伝わる
振動が伝わる
電気が伝わる

Literature/Art

心に伝わる
感動が伝わる
情熱が伝わる
行間から伝わる

会話のきっかけ

"あなたの国の伝統的な料理で、代々伝わっているものはありますか？ (Is there a traditional dish in your country that has been handed down for generations?)"

"言葉が通じない相手に、どうやって気持ちを伝えますか？ (How do you convey your feelings to someone who doesn't speak your language?)"

"最近、SNSでどんなニュースが伝わってきましたか？ (What kind of news has reached you through social media lately?)"

"あなたの家族に伝わる、面白いエピソードはありますか？ (Is there an interesting episode handed down in your family?)"

"「以心伝心」という言葉について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the phrase 'Ishin-denshin'?) "

日記のテーマ

今日、誰かに自分の気持ちがうまく伝わったと感じた瞬間について書いてください。 (Write about a moment today when you felt your feelings were successfully conveyed to someone.)

あなたが大切にしている、親から伝わった教えは何ですか？ (What is a teaching handed down from your parents that you value?)

インターネットで情報が伝わる速さについて、メリットとデメリットを考えてください。 (Consider the pros and cons of the speed at which information is transmitted on the internet.)

言葉を使わずに、どのようにして「愛」や「感謝」が伝わると思いますか？ (How do you think 'love' or 'gratitude' is conveyed without using words?)

100年後の人たちに伝わってほしい、今の時代の文化は何ですか？ (What culture of the current era do you want to be passed down to people 100 years from now?)

よくある質問

10 問

It is possible to use it to describe the path of a disease in a formal context, but in daily life, 'utsuru' (to catch/transfer) is much more common. 'Tsutawaru' sounds more like a scientific explanation of how the virus travels.

This is the most important distinction. 'Tsutaeru' is transitive (I tell someone something), while 'tsutawaru' is intransitive (Something is told/conveyed). Example: 'I told the news' (News o tsutaeta) vs 'The news spread' (News ga tsutawatta).

We use 'o' when 'tsutawaru' describes moving along a physical path. For example, 'Kabe o tsutawaru' means 'to move along the wall'. This is a special usage for intransitive verbs of motion.

Yes, especially regarding feelings or complex ideas. 'Kimochi ga tsutawaru' is a very common way to say 'My feelings were understood' or 'I felt your sincerity'.

It is neutral and can be used in any register. You can make it formal by saying 'tsutawarimasu' or informal by saying 'tsutawaru'.

You would say 'Messeeji ga tsutawaranakatta' or 'Umaku tsutawaranakatta'. This implies that even though you sent it, the recipient didn't receive or understand the essence of it.

Yes, 'denki ga tsutawaru' is used to describe electricity traveling through a wire, though 'nagaru' (flow) is also common.

It means 'to be handed down from generation to generation'. It is a very common phrase for family traditions or traditional crafts.

Actually, 'tsutawaru' itself already has a passive-like meaning because it is intransitive. However, you will often see 'tsutawarete iru' which means 'it is (currently) being handed down' or 'it is said that...'.

'Tsutawaru' focuses on the connection between a source and a receiver. 'Hiromaru' focuses on the expansion of the area or the number of people involved. If one person tells one person, it 'tsutawaru'. If a whole city knows, it 'hiromaru'.

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