Translation and Meaning of: 通す - toosu

The Japanese word 通す [とおす] is a versatile verb that frequently appears in everyday life and in various contexts of the Japanese language. Its primary meaning is related to the idea of "passing through something," "crossing," or "doing something to the end," but its nuances go beyond that. In this article, we will explore the meaning, common uses, and some cultural particularities of this word, along with tips for memorizing it correctly. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding 通す can enrich your vocabulary and prevent confusion.

Meaning and uses of 通す

The verb 通す has the most direct translation of "to pass through" or "to cross," but its usage extends to situations where something is persistently carried forward. For example, it can mean "to insist on something" or "to follow a path to the end." In more concrete contexts, it appears in sentences like "窓を開けて風を通す" (opening the window to let the wind pass).

Another common use is in the sense of "making something accepted" or "gaining approval." In work meetings, for example, someone might say "自分の意見を通す" (make their opinion count). This flexibility makes 通す an essential word for anyone who wants to communicate naturally in Japanese.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 通, which is part of the word, is formed by the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) combined with 甬 (which suggests the idea of passage). This combination reinforces the sense of crossing or connecting spaces. The reading とおす is the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as つう (as in 通信 - communication).

It is interesting to note that 通す often carries a connotation of continuity or persistence, different from similar verbs like 通る (to pass through a place without necessarily interacting with it). This subtlety is important to avoid misunderstandings when forming sentences.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 通す is to associate it with situations that involve resistance or effort. For example, think of "to let a phone call through" (電話を通す) or "to carry a project to completion." This idea of overcoming helps to differentiate it from other movement verbs.

Culturally, 通す reflects Japanese values such as perseverance and task completion. In series and movies, it is common to see characters using this word in decisive moments, such as negotiating a proposal or defending a principle. Observing these uses in real contexts can facilitate learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 通す

• 通す - Present form
• 通さない - Present Negative Form
• 通した - Past form
• 通させる - causative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 貫く (tsuranuku) - Drill; to pass through something continuously.
• 進める (susumeru) - Advance; to promote something forward.
• 通り抜ける (toorinukeru) - Cross completely; go through a space.
• 通り過ぎる (toorisugiru) - Pass by; exceed a point without stopping.
• 通行する (tsuukou suru) - Transit; pass through the place or path.

通す

Romaji: toosu
Kana: とおす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: let it go; ignore; Continue; to maintain; to give way to

Meaning in English: to let pass;to overlook;to continue;to keep;to make way for;to persist in

Definition: pass through other objects. Cross.

Example Sentences - (通す) toosu

See below some example sentences:

身振りで意思疎通する。

Miburui de ishi sotsu suru

Communicate through body language.

Communicate with gestures.

• 身振り (mifuri) - body gestures
• で (de) - particle that indicates means or instrument
• 意思疎通 (ishisotsu) - communication of ideas or thoughts
• する (suru) - verb indicating action, in this case "to do"

この道路は来月開通する予定です。

Kono dōro wa raigetsu kaitō suru yotei desu

This road is scheduled to open next month.

This road will be open next month.

• この道路 - this road
• は - Topic particle
• 来月 - Next month
• 開通する - will be inaugurated
• 予定です - is planned

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 pass 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 pass 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"

この道は不通です。

Kono michi wa futū desu

This road is blocked.

This road is out of order.

• この道 - this road
• は - Topic particle
• 不通 - closed, blocked, impassable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present
• . - Period

交通機関は便利ですね。

Koutsuu kikan wa benri desu ne

Transport is convenient.

• 交通機関 - public transport
• は - Topic particle
• 便利 - convenient, useful
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present
• ね - particle of confirmation or agreement