Processing keyword: ～を通じて (〜wo tsuujite)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～を通じて (〜wo tsuujite)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～を通じて (〜をつうじて, ~wo tsuujite) is a versatile expression in Japanese that translates to "through," "via," or "by means of" in English. It indicates that something is achieved, conveyed, or occurs through a medium, method, or period.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- Through; via; by means of
- Indicates that something happens throughout a certain period or via a means or medium.
Structure
Noun + を通じて / を通して
- Both を通じて (wo tsuujite) and を通して (wo tooshite) are used interchangeably with slight nuances.
Formation Diagram
| Component | Usage |
|---|---|
| Noun | The medium, method, or period through which something is conveyed or occurs. |
| を通じて | Particle を + Verb 通じて (tsuujite) meaning "through" or "via". |
3. Comparative Analysis
を通じて vs. を通して
- を通じて (wo tsuujite)
- Often emphasizes the continuous nature over a period or the indirectness of the medium.
- Common in formal or written language.
- を通して (wo tooshite)
- Highlights the means or method used to achieve something.
- Slightly more direct than を通じて. Example Comparison:
- 友人を通じて彼と知り合った。
- Met him through a friend. (Emphasizes the indirect connection.)
- インターネットを通して情報を得る。
- Obtain information via the internet. (Focuses on the medium used.)
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 彼女は一年を通じて日本に滞在した。
- Kanojo wa ichinen wo tsuujite Nihon ni taizai shita.
- She stayed in Japan throughout the year.
- そのニュースはテレビを通じて広まった。
- Sono nyūsu wa terebi wo tsuujite hiromatta.
- The news spread through television.
- このプロジェクトを通じて多くのことを学びました。
- Kono purojekuto wo tsuujite ōku no koto wo manabimashita.
- I learned many things through this project.
- 彼は仲間を通じてその情報を手に入れた。
- Kare wa nakama wo tsuujite sono jōhō wo te ni ireta.
- He obtained that information through his associates.
- 一年を通じて、彼らはデータを収集した。
- Ichinen wo tsuujite, karera wa dēta wo shūshū shita.
- Throughout the year, they collected data.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Using を通じて reflects the importance of indirect communication in Japanese culture.
- Emphasizes relationships and networks as vital means of information flow.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- を通じて is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Commonly found in written language, news, and formal speeches.
Idiomatic Expressions
- マスメディアを通じて
- Masumedia wo tsuujite - Through mass media
- 友人を通じて
- Yūjin wo tsuujite - Through a friend
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Confusing を通じて with で
- Incorrect: インターネットで情報を得る。
- Correct: インターネットを通じて情報を得る。
- Explanation: While で can indicate means, を通じて emphasizes the medium as a conduit over time or indirectness.
- Misusing with Verbs That Don't Align
- Incorrect: 彼はドアを通じて出た。
- Correct: 彼はドアから出た。
- Explanation: を通じて isn't used for physical movement through objects in this literal sense.
Tips
- Mnemonic Device:
- Think of 通 (tsū) in 通じて as "pass through" or "communicate," helping you remember it relates to passing through a medium or period.
- Remember the Nuance:
- Use を通じて when emphasizing the means or period over which something happens, especially in contexts of learning, communication, or duration.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- を通じて (wo tsuujite) means "through," "via," or "by means of."
- Used to indicate methods, means, mediums, or durations over which something occurs.
- Similar to を通して (wo tooshite), with subtle differences in nuance.
- Common in formal contexts and can highlight indirectness.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Translate the following sentence:
彼はSNSを通じて新しい友達を作った。
- Answer: He made new friends through social media.
- Fill in the blank with the correct particle:
私たちはボランティア活動___通じて地域に貢献した。
- Answer: を
- Complete Sentence: 私たちはボランティア活動を通じて地域に貢献した。
- True or False:
を通じて can be used interchangeably with で in all cases.
- Answer: False
By understanding and practicing ～を通じて, you can express the means or medium through which actions occur more naturally in Japanese.