Processing keyword: ～を通じて (〜wo tsuujite)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～を通じて (〜wo tsuujite)

～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

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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。
3. 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.