Think of it as 'via' or 'by way of'—it is the bridge between you and your goal.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to indicate a medium or means for an action.
- Can describe physical passage or abstract channels of communication.
- Often used to describe connections made through people.
使用パターン：名詞＋を通して、という形で接続します。「〜を通じ（て）」とも言い換え可能ですが、「〜を通して」の方がより日常的で、物理的な通過のニュアンスを伴う場合にも使いやすいです。
- 1一般的な文脈：ニュースで「会議を通して合意に達した」と言う場合や、日常会話で「友人を通して彼と知り合った」のように、人との繋がりを説明する際によく使われます。また、「一年を通して」のように、期間全体を表す際にも用いられます。
Examples
友人を通して彼と知り合った。
everydayI met him through a friend.
会議を通して意見を交換した。
formalWe exchanged opinions through the meeting.
窓を通して光が差し込んでいる。
informalLight is shining through the window.
一年を通して温暖な気候だ。
academicThe climate is mild throughout the year.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
〜を通して学ぶ
learn through...
〜を通して知る
know through...
Often Confused With
This is a more formal version of 'through'. It is preferred in official documents or business settings.
Focuses on the cause or the direct method. 'を通して' focuses on the mediation or the path taken.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '〜を通して' for both physical objects and abstract concepts like people or media. It is slightly less formal than '〜を介して' but more formal than '〜で'. It is a very versatile connector in Japanese.
Common Mistakes
Students often use '〜を通して' for simple transportation methods like 'by car', which is incorrect. Use '〜で' for simple tools or vehicles. Reserve '〜を通して' for processes, mediation, or long durations.
Tips
Use for human connections
When introducing someone you met via a mutual friend, use '友人を通して'. It sounds natural and polite.
Avoid overuse in simple sentences
For simple tools like 'by train', use '〜で' instead of '〜を通して'. '〜を通して' implies a more complex mediation.
Usage in formal announcements
In Japanese news, you will frequently hear '報道を通して' (through media reports) to show how information is disseminated.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb '通す' (to pass/let through) and the particle 'て' (te-form used as a connector). It literally describes the state of letting something pass through.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'mediation' is important in Japanese culture, where indirect communication is often preferred. Using '〜を通して' helps soften the approach.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'tunnel' (tōsu). You go 'through' the tunnel to get to the other side.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsどちらも媒介を表しますが、「〜を介して」の方がより硬い表現です。ビジネスや公的な文書では「〜を介して」が好まれる傾向があります。
はい、使えます。「窓を通して外を見る」のように、物理的な隙間や空間を通過する場合にも使用可能です。
手段を表す点では似ていますが、「〜を通して」は「経由する」というプロセスに重点があります。「〜によって」は結果を生み出す原因や直接的な手段を強調します。
Test Yourself
彼は友人___仕事を紹介してもらった。
人との仲介を表すため「を通して」が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
Think of it as 'via' or 'by way of'—it is the bridge between you and your goal.
- Used to indicate a medium or means for an action.
- Can describe physical passage or abstract channels of communication.
- Often used to describe connections made through people.
Use for human connections
When introducing someone you met via a mutual friend, use '友人を通して'. It sounds natural and polite.
Avoid overuse in simple sentences
For simple tools like 'by train', use '〜で' instead of '〜を通して'. '〜を通して' implies a more complex mediation.
Usage in formal announcements
In Japanese news, you will frequently hear '報道を通して' (through media reports) to show how information is disseminated.
Examples
4 of 4友人を通して彼と知り合った。
I met him through a friend.
会議を通して意見を交換した。
We exchanged opinions through the meeting.
窓を通して光が差し込んでいる。
Light is shining through the window.
一年を通して温暖な気候だ。
The climate is mild throughout the year.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More politics words
撤廃
B2The total abolition or removal of an established system, law, or restriction.
援助する
A2To assist; to help; to support.
訴える
A2To appeal; to sue; to complain.
容認
B2To approve, permit, or tolerate something, even if it is not ideal. It often implies a passive or reluctant acceptance of a situation.
逮捕する
A2To arrest. To seize someone by legal authority.
諮問
B2To refer a matter to an advisory body or an expert for their opinion or deliberation.
是正
B2To correct or rectify a wrong situation, inequality, or error. It is often used in official contexts like correcting social injustices or market imbalances.
腐敗
B2The decomposition of organic matter (biological) or the dishonest/fraudulent conduct by those in power (social). A common topic in IELTS essays about governance.
批判する
A2To criticize. To express disapproval of someone or something.
民主主義
A2Democracy. A system of government by the whole population.
