Translation and Meaning of: 通行 - tsuukou

The Japanese word 通行 [つうこう] is a common term in everyday life in Japan, especially in urban and mobility contexts. If you have studied Japanese or visited the country, you have likely encountered this expression on signs, notices, or even in conversations. But what does it mean exactly? And how is it used in practice? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and cultural uses of 通行, as well as provide tips for memorizing it effectively. If you are looking to understand this word deeply, you’ve come to the right place.

Meaning and use of 通行 [つうこう]

通行 is composed of the kanjis 通 (, cross) and 行 (go, walk), forming the basic meaning of "age" or "traffic." In Japan, this word is frequently found on traffic signs, such as 通行止め (つうこうどめ), which indicates that a road is blocked. Additionally, it can be used to refer to the flow of people in public places, such as train stations and shopping malls.

An interesting detail is that 通行 is not limited to just physical movement. In some contexts, it can represent the idea of "permission to ," as in restricted areas. For example, in airports, you might see notices like 関係者以外通行禁止 (かんけいしゃいがいつうこうきんし), which means "unauthorized age is prohibited."

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 通行 goes back to classical Chinese, where the kanjis 通 and 行 were already used together with a similar meaning. 通, by itself, carries the idea of "crossing" or "connecting," while 行 is associated with "movement" or "the act of going." Together, they reinforce the notion of displacement from one point to another.

It is worth noting that these kanjis appear in other important words, such as 交通 (こうつう, traffic) and 通行人 (つうこうにん, pedestrian). This recurrence helps to understand why 通行 is so present in the Japanese vocabulary, especially in urban and infrastructure environments.

Tips to memorize 通行

An effective way to memorize 通行 is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, if you've seen a 通行止め sign, try to recall the context in which it appeared. Another tip is to create flashcards with images of streets or sidewalks, relating them to the meaning of the word. Repeating phrases like "この道は通行できますか" (Can I through this street?) also helps to internalize practical usage.

In addition, observing the radicals of kanjis can facilitate learning. 通 has the radical ⻌ (which indicates movement), while 行 has the radical 彳 (also related to walking). Recognizing these elements makes it easier to understand and the meaning of the word as a whole.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 通過 (tsuuka) - age; the act of ing through something, such as a checkpoint.
• 進行 (shinkou) - Progress; movement forward in a process or action.
• 通行する (tsuukou suru) - through the age; act of ing through a place, usually with permission.