を通して
o tōshite
The Japanese phrase for "through" is を通して (o tōshite).
を通して is used to indicate a medium, method or channel through which an action or state occurs. This can include doing something through a person, a medium or a period of time.
Meaning: from one side to the other (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the particle を (object marker) and the te-form of the verb 通す (to pass through/to let through).
Which one should you use?
While を通して and を通じて are often interchangeable, を通じて is generally considered slightly more formal or literary than を通して. Additionally, if you want to indicate a specific passage or route for travel, the formal phrase 経由して is used instead. For conveying communication, connection or understanding, the formal way to say "through" is 通じて.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to mean "throughout a period of time," を通して is often used with words like 一年 (one year) or 一日 (one day) to indicate a continuous state from beginning to end.
How do you pronounce it?
o tōshite
Did you know?
- The word 通訳 for 'interpreter' uses the same root as を通して, literally describing someone who 'passes' meaning through from one language to another.
- While を通して means 'through', the related word 通り can mean 'street' or 'avenue' because a street is literally a place where people pass through.
- The verb 通す is used not just for physical movement, but also for 'letting' something happen, such as allowing a specific request or a tradition to pass through to the next generation.
Examples in context
- その記事に目を通しておいて。Read through the article.This sentence shows how to use を通して to express reading through an article.Tatoeba #10796836 by bunbuku, translation #48770 by CK
- 読書を通して、様々な考え方に触れる。Through reading, I'm able to experience many different perspectives.This sentence demonstrates using を通して to express gaining perspectives through the medium of reading.Tatoeba #13066069 by Gardenia, translation #13230533 by Lumi
- １年を通してずっと飾られているんですか？Are they displayed all through the year?This sentence illustrates using を通して to describe something being displayed throughout the entire year.Tatoeba #204730 by KK_kaku_, translation #41971 by CM
- 私たちはメールを通じて連絡を取り合っています。We communicate with each other through email.
- 彼は駅を経由して会社に行きます。He goes to the office via the station.
- このアプリを通して日本語を学んでいます。I'm learning Japanese through this app.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about their hobbies.
- 美咲 Misakiスポーツを通して、友達がたくさんできました。supōtsu o tōshite, tomodachi ga takusan dekimashita.I made many friends through sports.
- 蓮 Renそれはいいですね。蓮は音楽で友達を作りました。sore wa ii desu ne. ren wa ongaku de tomodachi o tsukurimashita.That's nice. I made friends through music.
- 美咲 Misaki音楽を通して、色々な文化を知るのもいいですよね。ongaku o tōshite, iroirona bunka o shiru no mo ii desu yo ne.It's also great to learn about various cultures through music.
- 蓮 Renそうですね。本当に大切だと思います。sō desu ne. hontō ni taisetsu da to omoimasu.I agree. I think it's really important.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
