Japanese word

通る

Pronunciation

Romajitōru

Meaning

  • verbpass through, go along

Example

トンネルを通ります。to n ne ru o tō ri ma su

I pass through the tunnel.

Illustration for 通る (pass through)

More examples

毎朝この道を通ります。mai asa ko no michi o tō ri ma su

I go along this road every morning.

帰りに、いつもの道を通ります。kae ri ni i tsu mo no michi o tō ri ma su

I go along my usual route on the way home.

Core concept

Describes moving along a route or crossing a space so that one continues beyond a point.

Common phrases

  • 道を通るmichi o tō ru

    go along a road

  • 門を通るmon o tō ru

    pass through a gate

  • 人の前を通るhito no mae o tō ru

    pass in front of someone

Similar words

通り抜けるtōrinukeru: To go through a place and come out on the other side.
横切るyokogiru: To cross from one side of a road or space to the other.
くぐるkuguru: To pass under or through an opening.
通過するtsūkasuru: To pass a place or point while continuing onward.

Definition in Japanese

道や場所に沿って進み、その中を抜けたり、ある地点を過ぎたりする。michi ya ba sho ni so tte susu mi so no naka o nu ke ta ri a ru chi ten o su gi ta ri su ru

Word origin

通る (tōru) is a native Japanese verb related to 通す (tōsu), and both share a root associated with passing through or making a way through.

Usage tips

  • The particle を (o) can mark the route or space crossed with 通る (tōru), as in トンネルを通る (tonneru o tōru), a pattern that differs from its usual object-marking role.

Other meanings

  • go pastverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word