Translation and Meaning of: 通 - tsuu

The Japanese word 通[つう] is a versatile term full of nuances, present in both everyday language and more specific expressions. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to the cultural contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Many students get confused with the multiple meanings of 通, ranging from "to through" to "to be an expert in something." Here, we will unveil these layers, showing how the Japanese use it in their daily lives and in which situations it stands out. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your knowledge, Suki Nihongo offers detailed explanations about like this.

Meaning and translation of 通[つう]

In its most basic form, 通[つう] can be translated as "to " or "to cross," but its meaning goes far beyond that. Depending on the context, it also carries the idea of "deeply understanding" or "being well-informed about a subject." For example, when someone is called a 通な人[つうなひと], it means that this person is an expert on a certain topic.

Another common use is in compound words, such as 通行[つうこう] (age) or 通勤[つうきん] (commuting). The flexibility of this word makes it essential for anyone wanting to master Japanese, as it appears in various everyday situations and even in more technical expressions.

Origin and writing of the kanji 通

The kanji 通 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) combined with 甬 (which suggests the idea of age). This combination reinforces its original meaning related to crossing or connecting places. Etymological studies indicate that its use dates back to ancient Chinese, being adapted to Japanese with readings such as つう (on'yomi) and とおる (kun'yomi).

It is worth noting that the reading つう is often used in more abstract or specialized , while とおる appears in more concrete situations, such as 道を通る[みちをとおる] (to through a path). Understanding this difference helps to avoid common mistakes when forming sentences or interpreting texts in Japanese.

Cultural usage and common expressions

In Japan, being 通[つう] in a particular subject is seen as an irable quality, especially in areas like gastronomy, art, or pop culture. For example, knowing all the details about a type of regional cuisine can lead someone to be called 通. This aspect reflects the value that Japanese society places on deep knowledge and dedication.

Additionally, the word appears in useful everyday expressions, such as 電話が通じない[でんわがつうじない] (the phone isn't connecting) or 意味が通じる[いみがつうじる] (to make sense). Understanding how these uses relate to the idea of "flow" or "understanding" makes it easier to memorize and apply the term in real conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • つう (tsuu) - age, communication
  • とおる (tooru) - to , to cross
  • かよう (kayou) - go and return, to attend (e.g., school)
  • かようする (kayou suru) - attend, go and return
  • すべる (suberu) - slide, slip
  • すべっていく (subette iku) - sliding away
  • よこたわる (yokotawaru) - to lie down, to be lying down
  • とおりすぎる (toorisugiru) - to , to sur
  • とおりぬける (toorinukeru) - through, completely cross

Related words

流通

ryuutsuu

circulation of money or goods; flow of water or air; distribution

融通

yuuzuu

loan (money); accommodation; adaptability; versatility; financing

遣り通す

yaritoosu

Continue; to reach; to complete

見通し

mitooshi

perspective; unobstructed view; vision; forecast; prospectus; inside view

不通

futsuu

suspension; interruption; stop; tie-up; cessation

普通

futsuu

1. Usually; normally; generally; 2. Train that stops in all stations

一通り

hitotoori

ordinary; usual; in general; briefly

人通り

hitodoori

pedestrian traffic

似通う

nikayou

to look closely

通す

toosu

let it go; ignore; Continue; to maintain; to give way to

Romaji: tsuu
Kana: つう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Knowing; card ant

Meaning in English: connoisseur;counter for letters

Definition: 1. Exchange information and opinions with other people. Communication. Also refers to means and methods.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (通) tsuu

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (通) tsuu:

Example Sentences - (通) tsuu

See below some example sentences:

幹線道路は交通の要所です。

Kansendouro wa koutsuu no yousho desu

The main road is a key transportation point.

  • 幹線道路 - main road
  • は - Topic particle
  • 交通 - Traffic
  • の - Possession particle
  • 要所 - key point
  • です - Verb "to be" in polite form
彼は困難を遣り通すことができた。

Kare wa konnan o yaritōsu koto ga dekita

He managed to overcome the difficulties.

He was able to on difficulties.

  • 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
  • は - Japanese topic particle
  • 困難 - Japanese noun meaning "difficulty"
  • を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
  • 遣り通す - Japanese verb meaning "to overcome" or "to through"
  • こと - Japanese noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
  • が - Subject particle in Japanese.
  • できた - Japanese verb meaning "to be able to" or "to achieve"
普通の人生を送りたいです。

Futsū no jinsei o okuritai desu

I want to live an ordinary life.

I want to live a normal life.

  • 普通の - adjective meaning "normal"
  • 人生 - substantive that means "life"
  • を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • 送りたい - Verb in the desiderative form that means "want to send"
  • です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful form of the sentence
無線通信は便利です。

Musen tsūshin wa benri desu

Wireless communication is convenient.

  • 無線通信 - wireless communication
  • は - Topic particle
  • 便利 - convenient
  • です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
私の通帳はいつも整理されています。

Watashi no tsūchō wa itsumo seiri sarete imasu

My notebook is always organized.

  • 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
  • の (no) - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "mine"
  • 通帳 (tsūchō) - bank registry book
  • は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
  • いつも (itsumo) - always
  • 整理されています (seiri sarete imasu) - to be organized
私は高等学校に通っています。

Watashi wa kōtōgakkō ni kayotte imasu

I am attending high school.

I'm going to high school.

  • 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
  • は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
  • 高等学校 (koutou gakkou) - The noun that means "high school".
  • に (ni) - grammatical particle that indicates the direction or purpose of the action, in this case "to go to"
  • 通っています (kayotteimasu) - The verb that means "to be attending" in the polite present continuous form is "通っています" (している, shite iru) for informal contexts.
私は塾に通っています。

Watashi wa juku ni kayotteimasu

I am attending a preparatory course.

I go to a CRAM school.

  • 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
  • は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
  • 塾 (juku) - noun meaning "private tutoring school"
  • に (ni) - particle that indicates direction or destination, in this case, "to"
  • 通っています (kayotteimasu) - verb that means "to be attending", conjugated in the present continuous
私は毎日通り過ぎる公園が大好きです。

Watashi wa mainichi toorisugiru kouen ga daisuki desu

I love the park that I every day.

I love the park that es every day.

  • 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
  • は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
  • 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
  • 通り過ぎる (toorisugiru) - verb meaning "to by"
  • 公園 (kouen) - noun that means "park"
  • が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "park"
  • 大好き (daisuki) - adjective meaning "very loved"
  • です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence
私は毎日通学しています。

Watashi wa mainichi tsuugaku shiteimasu

I go to school every day.

I go to school every day.

  • 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
  • は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
  • 毎日 (mainichi) - means "every day" in Japanese
  • 通学 (tsuugaku) - "学校に行く" em japonês.
  • しています (shiteimasu) - The polite form of the verb "to do" in Japanese, indicating an ongoing action, is "しています" (shiteimasu).
私は毎日通勤しています。

Watashi wa mainichi tsūkin shiteimasu

I will work every day.

I travel every day.

  • 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
  • は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
  • 毎日 (mainichi) - means "every day" in Japanese
  • 通勤 (tsūkin) - means "go to work" in Japanese
  • しています (shiteimasu) - polite form of the verb "to do" in Japanese, indicating a continuous action in the present tense

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

通