Japanese grammar
What does ～をつうじて mean? Japanese grammar N3
～をつうじて means through (medium/intermediary); throughout (time span/scope).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + を通じて N + を通して |
| Romaji | wotsuujite |
| Meaning | through (medium/intermediary); throughout (time span/scope) |
Forming it
| Means | 仕事 + を通じて |
|---|---|
| Throughout (a span) | 一年 + を通じて |
How to use it
States the means/intermediary for achieving something, or spanning an entire period/scope.
- Meaning (1): 「～を通じて」 states the MEANS or INTERMEDIARY for achieving something: "through…".
- Meaning (2): goes with a noun of time/scope, meaning "THROUGHOUT that entire span": 一年を通じて (throughout the whole year).
- 「を通じて」 and 「を通して」 are nearly interchangeable; 「を通して」 emphasizes the active use of the intermediary a bit more.
Examples
仕事を通じて、多くの人に会いました。
Through my work, I met many people.
この地域は、一年を通じて暖かいです。
This region is warm throughout the year.
Keep in mind
- The meaning “throughout” is often used with 一年, 一生, 生涯.
- The two meanings are distinguished by the noun: a means vs. a span of time.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong一年を通じてに、祭りがある。
There are festivals throughout the year.
Correct一年を通じて、祭りがある。
「を通じて」 connects directly; do not add 「に」.
-
Wrongインターネットについて、情報を集めた。
I gathered information through the Internet.
Correctインターネットを通じて、情報を集めた。
"Through a means" uses 「を通じて」; 「について」 indicates a topic.
Exam tips
- 「を通じて」 = through (a means) or throughout (a period); distinguished by the noun.