Translation and Meaning of: 不通 - futsuu

Etymology and Origin of the Word 「不通」

The word 「不通」 (futsuu) is composed of two kanji: 「不」 and 「通」。The kanji 「不」 (fu) is a negation prefix and can be translated as "not" or "without." It is used to indicate the absence of something or the negation of an action or state. The kanji 「通」 (tsuu) means "to pass," "to circulate," or "to communicate." When combined, the two kanji form the word 「不通」, which means "interruption," "no passage," or "without communication." This composition clearly illustrates the idea of blockage or impossibility of transit.

Definitions and Everyday Use

In everyday life, 「不通」 is often used in contexts where there is some form of interruption or lack of communication. A common example is in situations of failures in telephone or transport lines, where one can say that the lines are 「不通」, meaning unavailable or interrupted. Additionally, the expression is used to describe the lack of response, such as when someone is unable to communicate with another person.

The word also carries a more technical aspect, being used in service notifications to describe temporary unavailability. For example, in transportation services, it may indicate that a train or bus line is out of operation. Similarly, in information technology, 「不通」 can refer to communication failures in networks or servers.

Cultural Variations and Applications

In addition to the literal definition, 「不通」 can have variations that extend its use. For example, when combined with other words, the ending may change, forming compound expressions that detail the type of interruption or failure. One example of this is 「電話不通」 (denwa futsuu), which specifies a failure in the telephone line. Another example, 「電車不通」 (densha futsuu), refers to the interruption of train services.

In the cultural context, "不通" often appears in infrastructure reports, especially in a country prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons. On these occasions, the term becomes an important part of public safety notifications, warning people about inaccessible routes or communication difficulties, highlighting its critical role in social and community organization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

不通 (Futsuu) - Lack of connection; interruption in contact.
通じない (Tsuujinai) - Not communicating; not understanding; something that does not pass.
つながらない (Tsunagaranai) - Not having connection; not being connected.
つながりがない (Tsunagari ga nai) - No connection; absence of link.
つながらぬ (Tsunagarnu) - Does not connect; archaic form of not being connected.
つながらず (Tsunagarazu) - Do not connect; negative form used in a more formal way.