Meaning
The kanji 通 (tōru, tsū) is highly versatile, with meanings primarily centered around "passing through," "going through," and "circulation." It covers both physical movement, like passing on a road, and abstract concepts, such as understanding an idea or having a message get through.
Beyond simple transit, it can also imply reaching a destination or achieving full comprehension. You'll also find 通 denoting a "street" or "avenue" (a channel for passage), or even describing an "expert" or "connoisseur"—someone whose deep knowledge of a subject truly "passes through" the superficial level.
Historically, 通 is a phono-semantic compound. Its form comes from two main components: 辶 (shinnōnyō or ennyō), a radical meaning "road" or "movement," and 甬 (yōng), which serves as the phonetic component. While 甬 itself can mean "channel" or "unimpeded," here it mainly provides the sound.
Together, the "movement" (辶) along a "channel" or "unimpeded path" (drawing from 甬's underlying meaning or phonetic association) visually and conceptually reinforces the core idea of smooth, unobstructed passage. This historical connection helps explain why 通 covers such a wide range of meanings, from physical transit to intellectual comprehension. Comprising 10 strokes, this kanji is taught to 2nd-grade elementary students, making it a foundational character for learners. Its broad utility makes it essential for expressing many daily actions and states in Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi, or Chinese-derived readings, for 通 are based on the character's sound when it was introduced to Japan. For 通, the most common On'yomi is ツウ (tsū).
ツウ (tsū): This reading frequently appears in compound words, often relating to traffic, communication, or general passage.
交通 (kōtsū) — traffic, transportation. This compound is fundamental for discussing movement of people and vehicles.
通貨 (tsūka) — currency. Here, 通 implies something that circulates and is generally accepted.
通過 (tsūka) — passage, transit. Refers to the act of passing through a place without stopping.
共通 (kyōtsū) — common, shared. Implies something that 'passes through' or is relevant to multiple parties.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings that match the kanji's meaning. 通 has several important Kun'yomi, each with distinct nuances.
とお.る (tōru): This is an intransitive verb meaning "to pass," "to go through," "to be understood," or "to be accepted." It describes movement through a space, or an idea being successfully conveyed.
道を通る (michi o tōru) — to pass along a road.
話が通じる (hanashi ga tōjiru) — for a story to get through; to understand each other.
声が通る (koe ga tōru) — (for a voice) to carry well.
とお.す (tōsu): This is the transitive counterpart of とお.る, meaning "to let pass," "to put through," "to carry out," or "to thread." It describes actively causing something to pass or go through.
紐を通す (himo o tōsu) — to thread a string.
意見を通す (iken o tōsu) — to make one's opinion heard or accepted.
書類を通す (shorui o tōsu) — to process documents; to put documents through.
かよ.う (kayou): This verb means "to commute," "to go to and from regularly," or "to frequent." It specifically implies consistent movement between two points.
学校に通う (gakkō ni kayou) — to go to school regularly; to commute to school.
会社に通う (kaisha ni kayou) — to commute to work.
病院に通う (byōin ni kayou) — to go to the hospital regularly (e.g., for treatment).
〜どお.し (dōshi): This suffix is mainly used to express "through and through" or "all the way through," often indicating duration or continuity.
夜通し (yoru dōshi) — all night long; throughout the night.
雨通し (amedōshi) — permeable to rain (e.g., a fabric).
〜どお.り (dōri): This suffix means "exactly as," "in accordance with," or "following." It's often paired with nouns to show something happened as expected or planned.
予報通り (yohō dōri) — as predicted; according to the forecast.
計画通り (keikaku dōri) — as planned; according to the plan.
約束通り (yakusoku dōri) — as promised; according to the promise.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 通 appears in a wide array of useful Japanese words, reflecting its diverse meanings related to movement, communication, and understanding. Below are some common compounds, categorized for easier learning.
Movement & Transit
交通 (kōtsū) — Traffic, transportation. Essential for discussing city life and travel.
通過 (tsūka) — Passage, transit. Often used when passing through a station or checkpoint.
通勤 (tsūkin) — Commuting to work. A common daily activity for many.
通学 (tsūgaku) — Commuting to school. Similar to commuting to work, but for students.
通り (tōri) — Street, road, avenue. Refers to a path for passage, a very common noun.
通行 (tsūkō) — Passage, passing (of traffic). Often seen in signs like 「通行止め」(tsūkōdome - road closed).
Communication & Understanding
通訳 (tsūyaku) — Interpretation (spoken translation). To facilitate understanding between languages.
通報 (tsūhō) — Report, notification. To convey information, especially to authorities.
共通 (kyōtsū) — Common, shared. Something that passes between or is held by multiple entities.
流通 (ryūtsū) — Distribution, circulation. Often used for goods or information.
通話 (tsūwa) — Telephone call, communication by phone. The act of conveying speech.
Quantity & Expertise
一通 (ittsuu) — One copy (of a letter/document). Refers to a single item that has "passed through" a process.
通 (tsū) — Expert, connoisseur, well-versed person. Someone whose knowledge "passes through" the superficial level.
精通 (seitsū) — Expert knowledge, familiarity, mastery. A deeper level of understanding.
General & Everyday Use
通常 (tsūjō) — Normal, usual, regular. Something that generally "passes" as expected.
普通 (futsuu) — Ordinary, common, regular (train). Also implies something that commonly "passes" without distinction.
通帳 (tsūchō) — Passbook (bankbook). A book through which transactions "pass" and are recorded.
通年 (tsūnen) — All year round, throughout the year. Indicates something that "passes through" the entire year.
Example Sentences
この道は駅まで通っています。
Kono michi wa eki made tōtte imasu.
This road goes all the way to the station.
まもなく、電車が駅を通過します。
Mamonaku, densha ga eki o tsūka shimasu.
The train will pass through the station shortly.
毎日、自転車で会社に通っています。
Mainichi, jitensha de kaisha ni kayotte imasu.
I commute to work by bicycle every day.
日本語が通じるか、心配です。
Nihongo ga tsūjiru ka, shinpai desu.
I'm worried if my Japanese will be understood.
彼は映画にとても通じている人です。
Kare wa eiga ni totemo tsūjite iru hito desu.
He is a person very knowledgeable about movies.
警察に事故の状況を通報しました。
Keisatsu ni jiko no jōkyō o tsūhō shimashita.
I reported the accident situation to the police.
計画通りに物事が進んで、よかった。
Keikaku dōri ni monogoto ga susunde, yokatta.
It was good that things proceeded as planned.
この道路は交通量が多いので、気を付けて通ってください。
Kono dōro wa kōtsūryō ga ooi node, ki o tsukete tōtte kudasai.
This road has heavy traffic, so please be careful when passing through.
彼らの意見は多数決で通されました。
Karera no iken wa tasūketsu de tōsaremashita.
Their opinion was passed by majority vote.
Related Kanji
- 走 — Run, Move fast (Kanji N4)
- 便 — Convenience, Facility, Communication (Kanji N4)
- 声 — Voice, Sound (Kanji N4)
- 力 — Power, Strength, Force (Kanji N4)
- 発 — Departure, Publish, Start (Kanji N4)
- 験 — Examination, Verification, Testing (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember 通 (tsū, tōru), focus on its two main components. The radical 辶 (shinnōnyō) on the left signifies "road" or "movement," clearly indicating motion. The right side, 甬 (yōng), is phonetically related to "through." Visually, you can imagine 甬 as a 'channel' or a 'bell with a clear path through it'.
This allows you to visualize 通 as: "A person moving through (甬) a road (辶)." Picture an open, clear road, much like a channel, allowing for smooth passage. The top of 甬 even resembles a roof, and the bottom an open gate. This visual story of a road leading through an open channel reinforces the core meaning of passing and going through.