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 pass 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 terms like this.

Meaning and translation of 通[つう]

In its most basic form, 通[つう] can be translated as "to pass" 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] (passage) 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 passage). 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 terms, while とおる appears in more concrete situations, such as 道を通る[みちをとおる] (to pass 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 admirable 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) - passage, communication
• とおる (tooru) - to pass, 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 pass, to surpass
• とおりぬける (toorinukeru) - pass through, completely cross

通

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

Translation / Meaning: Knowing; card accountant

Meaning in English: connoisseur;counter for letters

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

Example Sentences - (通) tsuu

See below some example sentences:

この道は車が通ることができます。

Kono michi wa kuruma ga tooru koto ga dekimasu

The cars can drive on this road.

This road allows cars to pass.

• この道は - indicates that the sentence refers to "this street"
• 車が通る - "Carros passam" means "cars pass" in English.
• ことができます - It is an expression that indicates "it is possible"

通行禁止

tsūkō kinshi

Traffic is prohibited.

you shall not pass

• Input - - 通行禁止
• Output - -
• ul - - define an unordered list
• li - - define a item from the list
• strong - - define a bold text
• 通行禁止 - - Japanese text meaning "no entry"

この列車は直通で東京まで行きます。

Kono ressha wa chokutsū de Tōkyō made ikimasu

This train goes directly to Tokyo.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 列車 - noun meaning "train"
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 直通 - adjective meaning "direct"
• で - grammatical particle that indicates the means or instrument used
• 東京 - noun meaning "Tokyo"
• まで - grammatical particle that indicates the limit or scope of an action
• 行きます - verb meaning "to go"

この計画には明るい見通しがある。

Kono keikaku ni wa akarui mitooshi ga aru

This plan has a bright outlook.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one";
• 計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project";
• には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a certain place or moment, in this case, "in relation to this plan";
• 明るい - adjective meaning "bright" or "illuminated", used here to indicate a positive perspective in relation to the plan;
• 見通しが - noun that means "vision" or "perspective", followed by the particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "there is a perspective";
• ある - verb that means "to exist" or "to have", used here to indicate the existence of a positive perspective in relation to the plan.

この通路は狭いですね。

Kono tsūro wa semai desu ne

This passage is narrow.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 通路 - noun that means "hallway"
• は - topic particle indicating that the runner is the subject of the sentence
• 狭い - Adjective that means "narrow"
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present
• ね - Ending particle that indicates the speaker expects confirmation or agreement from the listener.

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

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

モノレールは便利な交通手段です。

Monorēru wa benri na kōtsū shudan desu

The monorail is a convenient means of transport.

• モノレール - Monorail
• は - Topic particle
• 便利 - convenient
• な - adjectival suffix
• 交通 - Traffic
• 手段 - Quite
• です - Polite way of "being"

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

共通点を見つけよう。

Kyoutsuu ten wo mitsukerou

Let's find a common point.

Find something in common.

• 共通点 (Kyōtsūten) - means "common point" or "similarity".
• を (wo) - object particle.
• 見つけよう (mitsukeyou) - verb that means "to find" or "to discover".