〜を通って
It means to go through a place or a medium, like a tunnel or a river.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn a new phrase: '〜を通って' (o tōtte). It means 'through' a place. Imagine you are walking through a door. You are going through the door! Or maybe you are going through a park to get to your house. That's '〜を通って'. It's like a path you walk on. You can go through a tunnel, or through a forest. It's a simple way to say you are moving from one side to the other side of something. Very easy!
The phrase '〜を通って' (o tōtte) is used to describe movement that goes across or through a specific place or area. Think about traveling: if you are going from City A to City C, and you pass through City B, you can say you went via City B, or through City B. In Japanese, this is 'City B を通って City Cへ行きました' (City B o tōtte City C e ikimashita). It’s also used for physical objects, like a ball going through a hoop, or water flowing through a pipe. It shows a complete passage from one side to the other.
'〜を通って' (o tōtte) is a very useful phrase for indicating a route or a medium of passage. When you're describing a journey, it helps specify intermediate points. For instance, 'I traveled through France to get to Spain' would be 'フランスを通ってスペインへ行きました' (Furansu o tōtte Supein e ikimashita). It's not just for travel; it can also describe how something moves or is transmitted. Light passing through a window ('窓を通って光が入る' - mado o tōtte hikari ga hairu) or information going through a specific channel are good examples. It implies traversing the entirety of the specified space or medium.
The phrase '〜を通って' (o tōtte) functions as a postpositional phrase, marking the path or medium of transit. Its usage extends beyond simple physical movement to encompass the transmission of forces, information, or even abstract concepts. For example, in a business context, a decision might be made 'through the committee' (委員会を通って - iinkai o tōtte). When discussing natural phenomena, one might describe wind passing through a valley (谷を通って風が吹く - tani o tōtte kaze ga fuku). Understanding the nuance between simply being 'in' a place and actively moving 'through' it is key. The '-te' form often links this action to a subsequent event or state, providing a smooth narrative flow.
'〜を通って' (o tōtte) is a fundamental grammatical structure for expressing traversal and mediation. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing physical journeys, the passage of energy or data, and even procedural pathways. Consider its application in describing influence: 'His ideas were spread through his students' (彼の考えは弟子たちを通って広まった - Kare no kangae wa deshitachi o tōtte hiromatta). This highlights the role of an intermediary. In scientific contexts, it might describe the transmission of waves through a medium (媒体を通って波が伝わる - baitai o tōtte nami ga tsutawaru). The choice to use '〜を通って' over other expressions often depends on emphasizing the path itself or the process of passage, distinguishing it from phrases that might merely indicate location or proximity.
The phrase '〜を通って' (o tōtte), derived from the verb '通る' (tōru), represents a core concept of transit and mediation in Japanese. Its etymological roots emphasize the notion of 'penetration' or 'passing across', which informs its diverse applications. Beyond the literal movement through space, it functions metaphorically to describe the flow of influence, the execution of procedures, or the filtering of information. For instance, historical narratives might employ it to trace the dissemination of culture through trade routes (交易路を通って文化が伝播する - kōekiro o tōtte bunka ga denpa suru). In philosophical or literary discourse, it can signify the journey of the soul or the passage of time. Mastery involves recognizing its subtle implications in various registers, from the mundane description of a commute to the sophisticated articulation of complex causal chains or systemic interactions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 〜を通って means 'through' a place or medium.
- It indicates movement across or passage from one side to another.
- Commonly used for travel routes, physical spaces, and transmission.
- Requires the particle を (o) before the noun and the -te form of 通る (tōru).
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese phrase '〜を通って' (o tōtte). Think of it as your go-to phrase when you want to say 'through' something. It’s all about movement and passage, whether you're physically moving yourself or something else is moving.
Imagine you're planning a trip. You might say you're going 'through' a certain city to get to your destination. Or, if you're talking about how water flows, you could say it goes 'through' a pipe. This phrase captures that sense of traversing a space or medium. It’s incredibly versatile and pops up in all sorts of everyday conversations and descriptions.
The core idea is crossing from one side to another, or experiencing something by means of a particular route or channel. It’s not just about being *in* a place, but actively moving *through* it. So, whether it's a physical journey, a process, or even an abstract concept like time, '〜を通って' helps you describe that journey!
The phrase '〜を通って' is built upon the verb '通る' (tōru), which means 'to pass through', 'to go by', or 'to travel'. The '〜を' (o) particle here acts as the direct object marker, indicating what is being passed through. The '-て' form ('totte') is used to connect clauses, often implying a sequence of actions or a method.
The verb '通る' itself has deep roots, tracing back to Old Japanese. Its fundamental meaning relates to the idea of 'passing' or 'going through'. Over centuries, it has evolved to encompass various nuances, from physically passing through a gate to ideas or messages getting through. The '-て' form is a grammatical connective that allows for smooth sentence construction, making it perfect for describing a journey that involves passing through intermediate points.
Historically, understanding routes and passages was crucial for travel, trade, and communication. Phrases like '〜を通って' would have been essential for giving directions or describing journeys. Its enduring usage highlights how fundamental the concept of 'passing through' is to human experience and language.
You'll find '〜を通って' used in a wide variety of contexts! It's super common when talking about travel routes. For example, you might say you went 東京を通って大阪へ行った (Tōkyō o tōtte Ōsaka e itta) – 'I went to Osaka via Tokyo'. This clearly indicates Tokyo was an intermediate point on your journey.
It's also used for physical spaces. Think about walking トンネルを通って (tonneru o tōtte) – 'through the tunnel' – or a river flowing 海峡を通って (kaikyō o tōtte) – 'through the strait'. The key is that you are traversing the entirety of that space.
Beyond physical movement, it can describe the transmission of things. Light might pass ガラスを通って (garasu o tōtte) – 'through the glass' – or a message might be sent 担当者を通して (tantōsha o tōshite) – 'through the person in charge'. The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both casual conversations and more formal writing, though the specific context will always dictate the overall tone.
While '〜を通って' is a straightforward phrase, the verb '通る' (tōru) it's based on appears in many idiomatic expressions. These often play on the idea of something being 'understood', 'accepted', or 'passing muster'.
- 話が通る (hanashi ga tōru): This means 'to be understood' or 'for one's story to be accepted'. It’s used when someone successfully communicates their point. Example: 「私の言いたいことが話が通って嬉しいです。」(Watashi no iitai koto ga hanashi ga tōtte ureshii desu.) - 'I'm happy that what I wanted to say was understood.'
- 道理が通る (dōri ga tōru): This signifies 'to be reasonable' or 'to make sense'. It’s used when something is logical and justifiable. Example: 「その説明は道理が通っている。」(Sono setsumei wa dōri ga tōtte iru.) - 'That explanation is reasonable.'
- 目が通る (me ga tōru): Literally 'eyes pass over', this means 'to look over' or 'to skim'. It implies a quick glance rather than a thorough read. Example: 「書類に目が通っているか確認してください。」(Shorui ni me ga tōtte iru ka kakunin shite kudasai.) - 'Please check if you've looked over the documents.'
- 音信不通 (onshin futsū): This is a compound word meaning 'out of touch' or 'no communication'. It uses a negative form of '通る'. Example: 「彼は数ヶ月間音信不通です。」(Kare wa sūkagetsu-kan onshin futsū desu.) - 'He has been out of contact for several months.'
- 通用する (tsūyō suru): Meaning 'to be valid', 'to be in use', or 'to be effective'. This is often used for rules, currency, or ideas. Example: 「この言葉は古いので、もう通用しない。」(Kono kotoba wa furui node, mō tsūyō shinai.) - 'This word is old, so it's no longer in use.'
The structure is quite straightforward: [Place/Medium] + を (o) + 通って (tōtte). The particle 'を' marks the thing being passed through, and '通って' is the '-te' form of the verb '通る' (tōru), meaning 'to pass through'. This '-te' form is often used to connect actions in sequence or to indicate the means or method by which something is done.
For pronunciation, '通って' is pronounced roughly as /toʊt.te/. The 'o' sound is like the 'o' in 'go', and the 't' sound is clear. The double 't' in 'tte' indicates a slight pause or glottal stop before the 'te' sound, making it distinct. In American English, it might sound like 'toe-tay', while in British English, it's closer to 'tawt-teh'. The stress falls on the first syllable 'tō'. Rhyming words are difficult as it's a specific grammatical form, but the base verb 'tōru' rhymes with words like 'kōru' (to freeze) or 'sōru' (to be loose).
Common pronunciation errors might involve not clearly articulating the double 't' sound or mispronouncing the vowel 'ō'. Some learners might also struggle with the correct usage of the particle 'を', but in this specific phrase, it consistently marks the path or medium being traversed. Remember, it's about the journey *through* something!
Fun Fact
The kanji '通' itself depicts a road or path with a gate, emphasizing the idea of passage.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'tawt-teh', with the 'aw' sound similar to 'caught' and a clear 't' sound.
Sounds like 'toht-tay', with the 'o' sound like in 'go' and a distinct 't' sound.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the vowel sound (e.g., 'tatte' instead of 'totte').
- Not emphasizing the double 't' sound, making it sound like 'tote'.
- Incorrectly using the particle 'ni' instead of 'o'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context.
Straightforward structure.
Commonly used, easy to incorporate.
Frequently heard in daily conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particles を (o) and に (ni)
Using を for path vs. に for destination.
Verb Conjugation: -te form
Connecting clauses and indicating method.
Sentence Structure: Topic-Comment
Basic Japanese sentence order.
Examples by Level
駅を通って、公園に行きます。
station through park go
〜を通って indicates the path taken.
ドアを通って、部屋に入りました。
door through room entered
The '-te' form connects the actions.
トンネルを通って、山を越えました。
tunnel through mountain crossed
Shows movement across a large obstacle.
バスは町を通って、行きます。
bus town through goes
Indicates the bus route.
猫は窓を通って、外に出ました。
cat window through outside went out
Shows passage through an opening.
この道を通って、お店に行けます。
this road through shop can go
Giving simple directions.
川は海を通って、流れます。
river sea through flows
Describes natural flow.
自転車で公園を通って、家へ帰ります。
bicycle by park through home return
Combining mode of transport with path.
私たちは空港を通って、パリへ行きました。
We airport through Paris went.
Specifies an intermediate location on a journey.
光が窓ガラスを通って部屋に入ってきた。
Light window glass through room entered.
Describes transmission through a medium.
その手紙は秘書を通って、社長に渡されました。
That letter secretary through president was handed.
Indicates an intermediary.
このトンネルを通れば、街の中心部へ早く着けます。
This tunnel through if you pass, city center to quickly arrive.
Suggests a shortcut or efficient route.
水はフィルターを通って、きれいに浄化されます。
Water filter through cleanly purified.
Describes a process involving a medium.
彼は代理人を通って、交渉を進めた。
He agent through negotiation proceeded.
Shows communication via a representative.
電車はいくつかの駅を通って、終点まで行きます。
The train several stations through final stop goes.
Describes a route with multiple stops.
この道は裏山を通っているので、静かです。
This road back mountain through because it goes, quiet is.
Describes the location relative to a landmark.
私たちはアムステルダム・スキポール空港を通って、ロンドンへ向かいました。
We Amsterdam Schiphol Airport via London headed.
Specifies a connecting airport in international travel.
レーザー光線は特殊なレンズを通って、対象物を精密に加工する。
Laser beam special lens through object precisely processes.
Describes the role of a medium in a technical process.
その情報は、まず部下を通ってから、最終的に私に届きました。
That information, first subordinate through then, finally to me arrived.
Illustrates a hierarchical communication channel.
この古い城は、かつての城壁の一部を通って中に入ることができる。
This old castle, former castle wall part through inside enter can.
Describes access through a historical structure.
音は空気を通って、私たちの耳に届く。
Sound air through our ears reaches.
Explains the medium for sound transmission.
彼の意見は、まずチームリーダーを通って、会議で提案された。
His opinion, first team leader through, at meeting proposed.
Shows a proposal being filtered through a representative.
この高速道路は、いくつかの主要都市を通って延びている。
This highway, several major cities through extends.
Describes the route of a major infrastructure.
そのニュースは口コミを通って、瞬く間に広まった。
That news word-of-mouth through, in an instant spread.
Metaphorical use for information spreading via people.
多くの旅行者は、乗り継ぎのためにフランクフルト空港を通ってヨーロッパ各地へ移動する。
Many travelers, for transit Frankfurt Airport via Europe various places travel.
Common pattern for describing transit hubs.
この特殊なフィルターは、微細な粒子を通しつつ、必要な成分は保持するように設計されている。
This special filter, fine particles while allowing through, necessary components retain designed.
Technical usage describing selective passage.
提案された改革案は、まず各部署の責任者を通って、最終的な承認を得るプロセスを経る。
Proposed reform plan, first each department head through, final approval obtain process undergoes.
Describes a formal procedural pathway.
古代の交易路は、アジアとヨーロッパを結ぶ重要な動脈として機能し、文化の交流を通って繁栄をもたらした。
Ancient trade routes, Asia and Europe connecting important arteries functioned, cultural exchange through prosperity brought.
Historical context emphasizing cultural transmission.
電磁波は真空を通って伝播することはできないが、様々な媒質を通してエネルギーを運ぶ。
Electromagnetic waves vacuum through propagate cannot, but various media through energy carry.
Scientific explanation of wave physics.
彼の成功は、長年にわたる師匠の指導を通って培われたものである。
His success, many years mentor's guidance through cultivated.
Metaphorical use for development through mentorship.
この地域を走る幹線道路は、周辺の町や村を効率的に結び、物流の要となっている。
This region running main road, surrounding towns and villages efficiently connects, logistics core has become.
Focuses on infrastructure and its role.
その噂は、SNSの様々なプラットフォームを通って、瞬く間に世界中に拡散した。
That rumor, various social media platforms through, in an instant worldwide spread.
Modern context for rapid information dissemination.
多くの国際線は、ハブ空港であるドバイ国際空港を通って、世界中の目的地へと乗り継がれていく。
Many international flights, hub airport Dubai International Airport via, worldwide destinations are transferred.
Emphasizes the strategic importance of a transit hub.
ナノテクノロジーを駆使した新しい素材は、特定の分子だけを通し、他の物質は遮断する精密な制御を可能にする。
Nanotechnology utilizing new material, specific molecules only through, other substances block precise control enables.
Advanced technical description of material properties.
この法案は、国会での審議と各委員会の承認という複雑なプロセスを通って、ようやく施行される見込みだ。
This bill, Diet deliberation and each committee approval complex process through, finally enacted expected.
Describes a complex legislative or bureaucratic procedure.
シルクロードを通って伝播した文化は、東西の文明に計り知れない影響を与え、現代の多様な文化の礎となった。
Silk Road through transmitted culture, East and West civilizations immeasurable influence gave, modern diverse cultures foundation became.
Historical and cultural analysis of transmission routes.
量子もつれの状態にある粒子は、空間的距離に関わらず、一方の状態変化が他方を通って瞬時に伝達されるかのように振る舞う。
Quantum entangled state particles, spatial distance regardless, one state change other through instantly transmitted as if behave.
Explaining quantum entanglement, using 'through' metaphorically for influence.
彼女の芸術的才能は、幼少期からの厳しい訓練と多くの芸術家たちとの交流を通って開花した。
Her artistic talent, childhood from strict training and many artists interactions through blossomed.
Metaphorical usage highlighting development through experience and interaction.
この地域を貫く主要な河川は、古くから交通の動脈として、また人々の生活用水の供給源として利用されてきた。
This region piercing main river, since ancient times transportation artery as, also people's daily water supply source as utilized.
Focuses on the vital role of a natural feature as a conduit.
インターネットの普及により、情報は地理的な制約を超え、あらゆるネットワークを通って瞬時に世界中へ共有されるようになった。
Internet proliferation due to, information geographical constraints beyond, all networks through instantly worldwide shared became.
Describes the global, instantaneous nature of digital information flow.
大陸間を結ぶ主要な航空路は、戦略的なハブ空港群を通って最適化され、グローバルな物流と人の移動を支えている。
Intercontinental connecting main air routes, strategic hub airport groups via optimized, global logistics and human movement support.
Strategic analysis of global transit networks.
バイオテクノロジーにおける膜分離技術は、分子サイズに基づき特定の物質のみを選択的に通し、高純度の分離を達成する。
Biotechnology membrane separation technology, molecular size based specific substances only selectively through, high-purity separation achieves.
Highly specific technical description of advanced separation processes.
この複雑な組織構造は、権限委譲と情報共有の原則に基づき、各部門の長を通って意思決定が円滑に行われるように設計されている。
This complex organizational structure, delegation and information sharing principles based, each division head through decision-making smoothly conducted designed.
Analysis of sophisticated organizational design and function.
地政学的に重要な交易ルートは、単なる物資の移動に留まらず、思想、宗教、技術といった無形の文化要素の伝播を通って、文明の興亡に深く関与してきた。
Geopolitically important trade routes, mere goods movement not limited to, ideas, religions, technologies intangible cultural elements transmission through, civilizations rise and fall deeply involved.
Deep historical and cultural analysis of transmission impacts.
相対性理論によれば、重力とは時空の歪みであり、質量を持つ物体はこの歪みを通って運動する。
Theory of relativity according to, gravity is spacetime curvature, mass possessing objects this curvature through move.
Explaining fundamental physics concepts using the phrase metaphorically.
彼の文学的達成は、古典文学への深い造詣と、現代思想との絶え間ない対話を通って、独自の境地を切り開いた結果である。
His literary achievements, classical literature deep knowledge and, modern thought constant dialogue through, unique realm pioneered result.
Literary analysis of artistic development through influences.
この広大なデルタ地帯は、数千年にわたり堆積物を運び込む河川の働きを通って形成され、豊かな生態系を育んできた。
This vast delta region, thousands of years sediment carrying river's action through formed, rich ecosystem nurtured.
Geological and ecological description of formation through natural processes.
グローバル化の進展は、物理的な国境を越え、デジタルインフラストラクチャという新たなネットワークを通って、かつてない規模での経済的・文化的な相互依存を促進している。
Globalization's progress, physical borders beyond, digital infrastructure new networks through, unprecedented scale economic and cultural interdependence promoting.
Socio-economic analysis of globalization's mechanisms.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"話が通る"
To be understood; for one's point to be accepted.
彼の説明は分かりやすく、皆に<strong>話が通った</strong>。
neutral"道理が通る"
To be reasonable; to make sense; to be logical.
その要求は<strong>道理が通っている</strong>。
formal"目が通る"
To look over; to skim; to glance through.
資料にざっと<strong>目が通った</strong>だけだ。
casual"音信不通"
Out of contact; no communication.
彼は突然<strong>音信不通</strong>になった。
neutral"通用する"
To be valid; to be in use; to be effective; to pass muster.
この古い通貨は、今ではほとんど<strong>通用しない</strong>。
neutral"裏道を通って"
To go through backstreets or less-traveled paths.
渋滞を避けるため、裏道<strong>を通って</strong>会社に行った。
casualEasily Confused
Both imply passing through a space.
〜を通って implies a more complete traversal or passage. 〜抜けて can suggest passing through and emerging, sometimes implying a shortcut or going through something narrow/difficult.
裏道<strong>を通って</strong>駅へ行った。(Went <strong>through</strong> the backstreets to the station - standard route). 裏道<strong>抜けて</strong>駅へ行った。(Went <strong>via/through</strong> the backstreets to the station - perhaps implying a quicker or less obvious path).
Both can indicate a route or intermediate point.
〜経由 is often more formal and used for specific transit points (airports, stations) or methods of delivery. 〜を通って is more general for physical paths.
成田空港<strong>経由</strong>でパリへ。(Via Narita Airport to Paris - formal transit point). 成田空港<strong>を通って</strong>パリへ。(Less common, sounds like flying *through* the airport itself).
Both can involve stopping at a place on the way.
〜に寄って means to stop by or drop in briefly at a place on the way to somewhere else. 〜を通って means to pass through the place itself.
駅<strong>に寄って</strong>から、家に帰った。(Stopped <strong>by</strong> the station on the way home). 駅<strong>を通って</strong>家に帰った。(Went <strong>through</strong> the station on the way home - implies using the station itself as part of the route).
Both can indicate location or means.
〜で often indicates the location *where* an action takes place, or the means of transport. 〜を通って specifically indicates the path *through* which movement occurs.
バス<strong>で</strong>学校へ行く。(Go to school <strong>by</strong> bus - indicates means). バスは学校<strong>を通って</strong>行く。(The bus goes <strong>through</strong> the school - indicates the route).
Sentence Patterns
[場所/媒体] + を + 通って + [動詞]
トンネル<strong>を通って</strong>、向こう側に出ました。
[人/組織] + を + 通して + [動詞]
部長<strong>を通して</strong>、申請してください。
[場所] + を + 通って + [場所] + へ/に + 行く/来る
渋谷<strong>を通って</strong>、新宿へ行きます。
〜を + 通って + 〜する (indicating method/means)
光はレンズ<strong>を通して</strong>進む。
[場所] + を + 通って + [状態変化]
水がフィルター<strong>を通って</strong>きれいになった。
Word Family
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The particle 'を' is used to mark the space or path that is traversed or gone through. 'に' usually indicates a destination or location.
'〜を通って' emphasizes the journey *through* Tokyo. '東京<strong>まで</strong>行く' (Tōkyō <strong>made</strong> iku) means going *as far as* Tokyo. '東京<strong>で</strong>乗り換える' (Tōkyō <strong>de</strong> norikaeru) means changing trains *in* Tokyo.
The structure requires the object marker 'を' and the '-te' form of the verb for connecting clauses or indicating method.
While '〜を通って' can be used metaphorically, '〜を経て' is often preferred for stages of development or processes over time, and '〜を通して' for mediation or influence.
The double consonant 'っ' indicates a geminate consonant, requiring a slight pause or emphasis before the following sound.
Tips
Visualize the Path
When you learn a new place or medium used with 〜を通って, picture yourself physically moving through it. Imagine the sights, sounds, and feelings of that journey.
Distinguish Path vs. Destination
Remember that 〜を通って describes the route or medium, not the final destination. Use particles like へ (e) or に (ni) for the destination.
Directions are Key
In Japan, clear directions are appreciated. Using 〜を通って helps provide precise information about routes, making it a vital phrase for daily life.
The Power of 〜て
The '-te' form connects actions. Think of 〜を通って as linking the action of passing through to the next action in your sentence.
Double T, Double Impact
Pay attention to the double 't' in 通って (totte). It's a small detail that makes a big difference in sounding natural.
Watch Your Particles!
The most common mistake is using に instead of を. Always remember 'を' marks the space you are going *through*.
Kanji Clues
The kanji '通' itself looks like a path with a gate, visually reminding you of the concept of passage and going through.
Map It Out
Draw simple maps connecting places using 〜を通って. Label the routes and practice describing them aloud.
Beyond Physical Travel
Don't limit yourself! Think about how information, influence, or processes can also go 'through' something or someone using related phrases like 〜を通して.
Listen for It!
When watching Japanese dramas or listening to podcasts, actively listen for 〜を通って. Notice the different places and situations it's used in.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a train going 'TO-R' (like 'tōru') 'TO-TTE' (to-tte) through a tunnel!
Visual Association
Picture yourself walking through a long, dark tunnel, emerging into bright sunlight on the other side.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe your commute to work or school using 〜を通って.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The verb '通る' (tōru) originally meant to pass through, penetrate, or go across. The '-te' form connects this action.
Cultural Context
Generally neutral, but context matters. Describing passage through sacred sites or private property requires politeness.
In English, we use 'through', 'via', 'by way of', or 'across' depending on the context.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Giving directions
- まっすぐ行って、駅<strong>を通って</strong>ください。
- この道<strong>を通って</strong>行くと早いです。
- 次の角を右に曲がって、川<strong>を通って</strong>ください。
Travel and transportation
- パリ<strong>を通って</strong>ロンドンへ行きます。
- この電車は主要な駅<strong>を通って</strong>いきます。
- 船は海峡<strong>を通って</strong>目的地へ向かった。
Describing natural phenomena
- 光が窓<strong>を通して</strong>部屋に入った。
- 音は空気<strong>を通して</strong>聞こえる。
- 風が谷間<strong>を通って</strong>吹いている。
Communication and procedures
- 担当者<strong>を通して</strong>ご連絡ください。
- その情報は、上司<strong>を通して</strong>伝達された。
- 正式な手続き<strong>を通して</strong>承認を得る。
Conversation Starters
"一番最近、どこか遠い場所<strong>を通って</strong>旅行しましたか？"
"あなたの街で、観光客がよく通る有名な場所はどこですか？"
"何かを伝えるとき、直接話すのと、誰か<strong>を通して</strong>伝えるのと、どちらが効果的だと思いますか？"
"子供の頃、秘密の抜け道<strong>を通って</strong>遊んだ思い出はありますか？"
"もしタイムマシンがあったら、歴史のどの時代<strong>を通って</strong>みたいですか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a memorable journey you took, focusing on the places you passed <strong>through</strong>.
Think about a time you had to go <strong>through</strong> a difficult process to achieve something. What did you learn?
How does information travel <strong>through</strong> society today? Compare it to the past.
Imagine a fantasy world. Describe a magical path or portal you might travel <strong>through</strong>.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean 'via' or 'through'. 〜を通って is more general for physical paths and mediums. 〜経由で is often used for specific transit points (like airports) or formal routes.
Yes, sometimes metaphorically, like 'through experience' (経験を通して - keiken o tōshite) or 'through a process' (プロセスを通して - process o tōshite). However, 〜を経て (hete) is often more common for stages of development or time periods.
Usually the particle 'を' (o), marking the place or medium being traversed.
The base verb is '通る' (tōru). The '-te' form '通って' (totte) is used to connect clauses or indicate method. You might also see '〜を通して' (tōshite) for mediation/influence and '〜を経由して' (keiyu shite) for specific routes.
You would use phrases like 〜を避けて (o sakete - avoiding) or 〜の周りを回って (no mawari o mawatte - going around).
Yes, it's commonly used for transmission through mediums like air, water, or glass. For example, 'sound through air' is 空気を通して (kūki o tōshite).
〜を通って implies going through something completely. 〜抜けて often suggests passing through and emerging, sometimes implying a shortcut or a less direct path.
Yes, but it often implies going through them as an intermediary, like 'through the manager' (マネージャーを通して - manējā o tōshite). It's less about physically passing them.
Test Yourself
私はバスで駅 ______ 行きました。
The particle 'を' marks the place being passed through.
「光が窓を通って部屋に入った」の意味は？
〜を通って means 'through', indicating passage.
「この道を通って、山頂へ行けます」は、この道が山頂への唯一のルートであることを意味する。
It indicates *a* way through, not necessarily the *only* way.
Word
Meaning
Match the Japanese words for places/mediums with their English equivalents.
The standard sentence structure places the path marker '〜を通って' before the final destination.
その情報は、担当者 ______ 最終確認されました。
'〜を通して' is used for mediation or going through a person/channel.
「多くの困難を経て成功した」という文で、「〜を経て」の代わりに「〜を通って」を使うと、ニュアンスはどう変わるか？
'〜を経て' focuses on the stages and experiences, while '〜を通って' might imply passing through obstacles without necessarily internalizing them as formative.
Use 〜を通って to describe a route from your home to a place you like (e.g., a park, a shop).
Fill in the blank with the correct particle or phrase.
Translate: 'The light passes through the prism and splits into colors.'
Use 〜を通って for the passage through the prism.
この技術は、長年の研究 ______ 実用化されました。
'〜を経て' is appropriate for indicating a process or period of time leading to a result.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 〜を通って unlocks the ability to describe journeys and passages with clarity and precision.
- 〜を通って means 'through' a place or medium.
- It indicates movement across or passage from one side to another.
- Commonly used for travel routes, physical spaces, and transmission.
- Requires the particle を (o) before the noun and the -te form of 通る (tōru).
Visualize the Path
When you learn a new place or medium used with 〜を通って, picture yourself physically moving through it. Imagine the sights, sounds, and feelings of that journey.
Distinguish Path vs. Destination
Remember that 〜を通って describes the route or medium, not the final destination. Use particles like へ (e) or に (ni) for the destination.
Directions are Key
In Japan, clear directions are appreciated. Using 〜を通って helps provide precise information about routes, making it a vital phrase for daily life.
The Power of 〜て
The '-te' form connects actions. Think of 〜を通って as linking the action of passing through to the next action in your sentence.
Example
公園を通って学校へ行く。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More geography words
〜を横切って
A2Across (a street, river, or area).
〜を越えて
B1Across or over (a boundary or obstacle).
〜通って
A2Through, via; passing through a place.
近くに
A2Nearby, in the vicinity, or close to.
沿う
A2To follow along (a road, river, or coast).
周りに
A2Around, surrounding, or in the vicinity of.
遠くへ
A2To a far place, far away.
〜の間に
A2Between, among; indicating a position in relation to others.
離れる
A2To move away from or be separated from something.
〜の向こうに
A2Beyond, on the other side of; indicating a position further away.
