If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for
"Commute" and "Pass", you've come to the right place!
The Japanese Kanji for
"Commute" and "Pass"
is "通".
This kanji has 3 readings:
Its kunyomi readings are "Too" and "Kayo".
Its onyomi reading is "Tsuu".
kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.
If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:
The radical "辶" means "Walk"
. And The radical "甬" means "Path"
.
Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.
What does the kanji "通" mean in japanese?
"通" means
"Commute" and "Pass"
.
Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.
Here are some words that use this kanji:
通り: "Way" or "Street". The Japanese noun '通り (とおり)' can mean 'street' or 'way'. When referring to 'street', it describes a physical road or path, such as in the sentence: I walked down the street「通りを歩いた」(とおりをあるいた). When referring to 'way', it can describe a method, manner, or style of doing something, as in: That's the way to do it「それがやり方の通りだ」(それがやりかたのとおりだ). The word can also imply conformity or accordance, as in: according to the plan「計画通りに」(けいかくとおりに). The context often determines which meaning is intended. 交通事故: "Accident". The Japanese noun '交通事故 (こうつうじこ)' refers to a 'traffic accident'. It is commonly used to describe incidents involving vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, or bicycles, that result in damage, injury, or death. This term is often seen in news reports, legal contexts, or everyday conversations about road safety. For example: There was a traffic accident on the highway「高速道路で交通事故があった」(こうそくどうろでこうつうじこがあった). The traffic accident caused a major delay「その交通事故で大渋滞が起きた」(そのこうつうじこでだいじゅうたいがおきた). It is important to note that this term specifically refers to accidents involving vehicles and not other types of accidents. 交通費: "Transportation cost". The Japanese noun '交通費 (こうつうひ)' refers to the cost or expenses related to transportation. This term is commonly used in contexts such as business trips, commuting, or any situation where transportation costs are incurred and reimbursed. For example: The company will cover my transportation costs「会社が私の交通費を負担します」(かいしゃがわたしのこうつうひをふたんします). Please submit your transportation expenses by the end of the month「月末までに交通費を提出してください」(げつまつまでにこうつうひをていしゅつしてください). 通ずる: "Connect". The Japanese verb '通ずる (つうずる)' means 'to connect' or 'to lead to'. It is often used to describe a path, road, or route that connects two places, or to describe a logical connection between ideas or concepts. For example: This road connects to the city「この道は街に通ずる」(このみちはまちにつうずる). His idea connects to a bigger problem「彼の考えは大きな問題に通ずる」(かれのかんがえはおおきなもんだいにつうずる). The verb can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe a connection or relationship between people or things. For example: Their friendship connects through shared experiences「彼らの友情は共有された経験に通ずる」(かれらのゆうじょうはきょうゆうされたけいけんにつうずる). 通学: "Commute". The Japanese verbal noun '通学 (つうがく)' refers to the act of commuting to school. It is commonly used to describe the daily journey students make from their homes to their educational institutions. This term is often used in contexts related to school life, transportation, and student routines. For example: I commute to school by train「私は電車で通学しています」(わたしはでんしゃでつうがくしています). The commute to school takes about an hour「通学には約1時間かかります」(つうがくにはやく1じかんかかります). It's important to note that '通学' specifically refers to commuting to school, not to work or other destinations. 通す: "Pass" or "Persist". The Japanese verb '通す (とおす)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to pass through' or 'to let something pass', often used in physical contexts like passing through a place or allowing something to go through a barrier. For example: I will pass through the gate「門を 通します」(もんをとおします). The second meaning is 'to persist' or 'to carry through', used when someone insists on doing something despite opposition or difficulty. For example: He persisted in his opinion「彼は意見を通した」(かれはけんをとおした). The verb can also imply a sense of continuity or thoroughness, such as reading through a book completely「本を通して読む」(ほんをとおしてよむ). 通過: "Passage". The Japanese verbal noun '通過 (つうか)' means 'passage' or 'passing through'. It is used to describe the act of moving through a place, area, or situation without stopping or being significantly affected. This word is often used in contexts like transportation, where it refers to passing through a station or checkpoint without stopping, or in abstract situations, such as passing through a phase or stage. For example: The train passed through the station without stopping「電車は駅を通過した」(でんしゃはえきをつうかした). He passed through a difficult time「彼は困難な時期を通過した」(かれはこんなんなじきをつうかした). Note that '通過' can also imply a sense of transition or progression, depending on the context. 通る: "Pass". The Japanese verb '通る (とおる)' primarily means 'to pass' or 'to go through'. It is used to describe the action of moving through a space, such as a road, a door, or a tunnel. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate that something has been understood or accepted, such as an idea or a proposal. For example: The car passed through the tunnel「車がトンネルを通った」(くるまがトンネルをとおった). The proposal passed at the meeting「提案が会議で通った」(ていあんがかいぎでとおった). Additionally, '通る' can be used to describe the act of passing by a place without stopping, as in: I passed by the park「公園を通った」(こうえんをとおった). 普通: "Normal". The Japanese adjectival noun '普通 (ふつう)' means 'normal' or 'ordinary'. It is used to describe something that is standard, usual, or not out of the ordinary. This word can be applied to situations, objects, or people. For example: This is a normal day「今日は普通の日です」(きょうはふつうのひです). She is an ordinary person「彼女は普通の人です」(かのじょはふつうのひとです). It can also be used in phrases like '普通に (ふつうに)' to mean 'normally' or 'as usual', as in 'I normally go to school by train「普通に電車で学校に行きます」(ふつうにでんしゃでがっこうにいきます)'. Note that '普通' can sometimes imply a sense of mediocrity or lack of specialness, depending on the context. 通常: "Usual" or "Normal". The Japanese noun '通常 (つうじょう)' refers to something that is normal, usual, or standard. It is often used to describe a state or condition that is typical or expected. For example: The store is open as usual「通常通り店は開いています」(つうじょうどおりみせはあいています). The train is running on its normal schedule「電車は通常のスケジュールで運行しています」(でんしゃはつうじょうのスケジュールでうんこうしています). This word is commonly used in formal or business contexts to indicate standard procedures or conditions. 通勤: "Commute". The Japanese verbal noun '通勤 (つうきん)' refers to the act of commuting, specifically traveling between one's home and workplace. It is commonly used in contexts related to daily work routines and transportation. For example: My commute takes an hour「私の通勤は1時間かかります」(わたしのつうきんはいちじかんかかります). He commutes by train「彼は電車で通勤します」(かれはでんしゃでつうきんします). The word is often paired with verbs like する (to do) to form phrases like 通勤する (to commute). It is a key term in discussions about work-life balance and urban transportation. 通う: "Commute". The Japanese verb '通う (かよう)' means 'to commute' or 'to regularly go back and forth between two places'. It is commonly used to describe the act of traveling regularly, such as commuting to work, school, or a specific location. For example: I commute to school「学校に通う」(がっこうにかよう). She commutes to work by train「彼女は電車で仕事に通う」(かのじょはでんしゃでしごとにかよう). This verb implies a habitual or routine action, emphasizing the regularity of the movement. It can also be used metaphorically, such as in '血液が通う (けつえきがかよう)' meaning 'blood circulates'. 交通: "Traffic" or "Transportation". The Japanese verbal noun '交通 (こうつう)' primarily refers to 'traffic' or 'transportation'. It is used to describe the movement of vehicles, people, or goods from one place to another. This term is often used in contexts related to roads, public transport, and commuting. For example: The traffic is heavy today「今日は交通が混んでいる」(きょうはこうつうがこんでいる). Public transportation is convenient in this city「この街では交通が便利だ」(このまちではこうつうがべんりだ). The word can also be used in compound terms like '交通事故 (こうつうじこ)' (traffic accident) or '交通機関 (こうつうきかん)' (transportation system). 大通り: "Avenue". The Japanese noun '大通り (おおどおり)' refers to a main street or avenue, typically a wide and busy road in a city or town. It is commonly used to describe major thoroughfares that are central to transportation and commerce. For example: Let's meet at the main avenue「大通りで会いましょう」(おおどおりであいましょう). The main avenue is crowded with people「大通りは人でいっぱいです」(おおどおりはひとでいっぱいです). This term emphasizes the size and importance of the road, distinguishing it from smaller streets or alleys. 共通: "Common". The Japanese verbal noun '共通 (きょうつう)' means 'common' or 'shared'. It is used to describe something that is mutual, shared, or applicable to multiple people, things, or situations. This word is often used in contexts where there is a shared characteristic, feature, or understanding. For example: We have common interests「私たちには共通の興味がある」(わたしたちにはきょうつうのきょうみがある). This problem is common to all「この問題はすべてに共通している」(このもんだいはすべてにきょうつうしている). Note that '共通' is frequently used in compound words, such as '共通点 (きょうつうてん)' (common point) or '共通語 (きょうつうご)' (common language). 共通語: "Common language". The Japanese noun '共通語 (きょうつうご)' refers to a 'common language' or 'lingua franca' that is widely understood and used by people across different regions or groups. It often implies a standard form of communication that bridges dialects or languages. For example: English is the common language of the world「英語は世界の共通語です」(えいごはせかいのきょうつうごです). In Japan, standard Japanese is the common language「日本では標準語が共通語です」(にほんではひょうじゅんごがきょうつうごです). This term can also refer to shared terminology within specific fields or communities. 透き通る: "Transparent". The Japanese verb '透き通る (すきとおる)' means 'to be transparent' or 'to be clear'. It is used to describe something that allows light to pass through it, making it see-through. This verb can be used to describe physical objects like glass or water, as well as more abstract concepts like voices or emotions. For example: The glass is transparent「ガラスが透き通っている」(ガラスがすきとおっている). Her voice is clear and transparent「彼女の声は澄んでいて透き通っている」(かのじょのこえはすんでいてすきとおっている). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is pure or untainted, such as a transparent heart「透き通った心」(すきとおったこころ). 通貨: "Currency". The Japanese noun '通貨 (つうか)' refers to 'currency', which is the system of money used in a particular country or region. This term is commonly used in financial, economic, and everyday contexts when discussing money, exchange rates, or monetary systems. For example: The Japanese currency is the yen「日本の通貨は円です」(にほんのつうかはえんです). I exchanged foreign currency at the bank「私は銀行で外貨を交換しました」(わたしはぎんこうでがいかをこうかんしました). The word can also appear in compound terms like '外貨通貨 (がいかつうか)' (foreign currency) or '仮想通貨 (かそうつうか)' (virtual currency). 通用: "Common". The Japanese noun '通用 (つうよう)' refers to something that is commonly accepted, used, or applicable. It often describes ideas, practices, or items that are widely recognized or valid in a particular context. For example: This method is commonly used「この方法は通用する」(このほうほうはつうようする). His excuse won't work here「彼の言い訳はここでは通用しない」(かれのいいわけはここではつうようしない). The term can also imply something being effective or valid in a specific situation, such as a rule or a ticket being valid for a certain period. 見通し: "View" or "Prospect". The Japanese noun '見通し (みとおし)' can mean 'view' or 'prospect'. When referring to 'view', it describes a clear line of sight or the ability to see something unobstructed. For example: The view from the mountain is beautiful「山からの見通しは美しい」(やまからのみとおしはうつくしい). When referring to 'prospect', it describes a forecast or outlook for the future, often in a business or planning context. For example: The economic prospects are good「経済の見通しは良い」(けいざいのみとおしはよい). The word can also imply a sense of clarity or understanding, as in having a clear view or understanding of a situation. 通じる: "Lead" or "Understand". The Japanese verb '通じる (つうじる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to understand' or 'to be understood', often used in contexts where communication or comprehension is involved. For example: I hope my feelings are understood「私の気持ちが通じるといいな」(わたしのきもちがつうじるといいな). The second meaning is 'to lead' or 'to connect', referring to a physical or metaphorical path. For example: This road leads to the station「この道は駅に通じる」(このみちはえきにつうじる). The verb can also imply a sense of mutual understanding or shared knowledge, as in '通じ合う (つうじあう)', meaning 'to understand each other'. 通行: "Passage". The Japanese noun '通行 (つうこう)' refers to the act of passing through or moving along a route, such as a road, street, or pathway. It is often used in contexts involving traffic, pedestrians, or general movement through a space. For example: Pedestrians have the right of passage「歩行者は通行の権利がある」(ほこうしゃはつうこうのけんりがある). This road is closed to passage「この道路は通行止めです」(このどうろはつうこうどめです). The term can also imply the flow or movement of people or vehicles in a specific area, such as in '通行量 (つうこうりょう)', which refers to traffic volume. 人通り: "Foot traffic". The Japanese noun '人通り (ひとどおり)' refers to the flow or movement of people, typically in public spaces like streets, shopping areas, or train stations. It is often used to describe how busy or crowded a place is. For example: There is a lot of foot traffic here「ここは人通りが多い」(ここはひとどおりがおおい). The street has little foot traffic at night「夜はこの通りは人通りが少ない」(よるはこのとおりはひとどおりがすくない). This word is commonly used in urban contexts to describe the activity level of a location. 一通り: "Generally" or "Roughly". The Japanese adverb '一通り (ひととおり)' is used to describe doing something in a general or rough manner, without going into detail. It implies a basic or overall understanding or completion of a task. For example: I roughly read the document「一通り書類に目を通しました」(ひととおりしょるいにめをとおしました). She generally understands the topic「彼女は一通りその話題を理解しています」(かのじょはひととおりそのわだいをりかいしています). This word is often used when referring to tasks like reading, learning, or explaining something in a broad sense. 通行止め: "Roadblock". The Japanese noun '通行止め (つうこうどめ)' refers to a 'roadblock' or 'road closure'. It is commonly used to indicate that a road or path is closed to traffic, often due to construction, accidents, or other obstructions. This term is frequently seen on signs and announcements. For example: The road is closed due to construction「工事のため通行止めです」(こうじのためつうこうどめです). The mountain trail is closed「山道は通行止めです」(やまみちはつうこうどめです). The term emphasizes the prohibition of passage, and it is often used in both formal and informal contexts to inform people about restricted access. 通: "Expert". The Japanese noun '通 (つう)' refers to someone who is an expert or well-versed in a particular field or subject. It implies a deep understanding and familiarity, often gained through extensive experience or study. For example: He is an expert in Japanese history「彼は日本史の通だ」(かれはにほんしのつうだ). She is a wine connoisseur「彼女はワインの通だ」(かのじょはワインのつうだ). The term can also be used to describe someone who is a regular or frequent visitor to a place, such as a shop or restaurant, indicating a level of familiarity and recognition by the establishment. 通知: "Notice". The Japanese verbal noun '通知 (つうち)' means 'notice' or 'notification'. It refers to the act of informing someone about something, often in an official or formal manner. This word is commonly used in contexts such as official announcements, legal notices, or updates from organizations. For example: I received a notice from the school「学校から通知を受けました」(がっこうからつうちをうけました). Please send a notification to all members「全員に通知を送ってください」(ぜんいんにつうちをおくってください). The word can also imply a sense of obligation or importance, as in 'notification of changes' (変更の通知, へんこうのつうち). 通り過ぎる: "Pass". The Japanese verb '通り過ぎる (とおりすぎる)' means 'to pass by' or 'to go past'. It is used to describe the action of moving past a certain point or location without stopping. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as passing by a place, a person, or even time. For example: The train passed by the station「電車が駅を通り過ぎた」(でんしゃがえきをとおりすぎた). Time passes by quickly「時間が通り過ぎるのが早い」(じかんがとおりすぎるのがはやい). The nuance of this verb often implies that the subject is moving beyond something without lingering or stopping. 直通: "Direct". The Japanese verbal noun '直通 (ちょくつう)' means 'direct' and is used to describe something that goes straight from one point to another without stopping or changing. It is often used in the context of transportation, communication, or services. For example: This train goes directly to Tokyo「この電車は東京に直通です」(このでんしゃはとうきょうにちょくつうです). The phone line is direct「その電話回線は直通です」(そのでんわかいせんはちょくつうです). It can also be used metaphorically, such as in 'direct communication' or 'direct connection'. 通信: "Communication". The Japanese verbal noun '通信 (つうしん)' primarily means 'communication'. It refers to the exchange of information between individuals, groups, or devices. This term is often used in contexts involving telecommunications, internet communication, or any form of data transmission. For example: The internet enables global communication「インターネットは世界の通信を可能にする」(インターネットはせかいのつうしんをかのうにする). We lost communication with the satellite「衛星との通信が途絶えた」(えいせいとのつうしんがとだえた). It's important to note that '通信' can also imply a continuous or ongoing exchange of information, not just a single instance. 通路: "Passage". The Japanese noun '通路 (つうろ)' refers to a 'passage' or 'pathway'. It is commonly used to describe a route or corridor that allows movement from one place to another, such as in buildings, trains, or public spaces. For example: The passage is narrow「通路が狭い」(つうろがせまい). Please keep the passage clear「通路を塞がないでください」(つうろをふさがないでください). This word is often used in contexts like transportation, architecture, or everyday navigation. 流通: "Distribution". The Japanese verbal noun '流通 (りゅうつう)' refers to the process of distributing goods, products, or information. It is commonly used in contexts related to commerce, logistics, and economics. For example: The distribution of goods is efficient「商品の流通が効率的だ」(しょうひんの りゅうつうがこうりつてきだ). Information flows quickly in this network「このネットワークでは情報の流通が速い」(このネットワークではじょうほうのりゅうつうがはやい). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe the circulation of ideas or trends. 通訳: "Interpretation". The Japanese verbal noun '通訳 (つうやく)' refers to the act of interpreting, particularly spoken language, between two parties who do not share a common language. It is commonly used in contexts such as international conferences, business meetings, or any situation where real-time language translation is required. For example: She is good at interpretation「彼女は通訳が上手です」(かのじょはつうやくがじょうずです). We need an interpreter for the meeting「会議に通訳が必要です」(かいぎにつうやくがひつようです). The term is distinct from '翻訳 (ほんやく)', which refers to written translation. 通帳: "Passbook". The Japanese noun '通帳 (つうちょう)' refers to a 'passbook', which is a small book issued by a bank or financial institution to record transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and balances. It is commonly used in Japan for managing savings accounts. For example: I forgot my passbook at home「通帳を家に忘れました」(つうちょうをいえにわすれました). Please bring your passbook to the bank「通帳を銀行に持ってきてください」(つうちょうをぎんこうにもってきてください). The word is specific to financial contexts and is essential for traditional banking in Japan. 通り掛かる: "Pass by". The Japanese verb '通り掛かる (とおりかかる)' means 'to pass by' or 'to happen to pass by'. It is used when someone is passing by a place, often unintentionally or coincidentally. This verb is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe situations where someone is walking or moving near a location. For example: I happened to pass by the park「公園を通り掛かった」(こうえんをとおりかかった). She passed by the store「彼女はその店を通り掛かった」(かのじょはそのみせをとおりかかった). The verb can also imply a sense of chance or coincidence, as in 'I happened to pass by when it started raining'「雨が降り始めた時に通り掛かった」(あめがふりはじめたときにとおりかかった). To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.
But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.
Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.
This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:
The hiragana "と" is read as "to". The hiragana "お" is read as "o". The hiragana "つ" is read as "tsu". The hiragana "う" is read as "u". The hiragana "か" is read as "ka". And The hiragana "よ" is read as "yo".