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through / via / by means of
Definition
The grammar pattern "名詞 + を通して" is used to indicate a medium, person, or method through which an action is performed. It can also mean 'throughout' a period of time, emphasizing the duration or extent of the action. This pattern is often used to describe a means or a channel through which something is done, experienced, or communicated. For example, "インターネットを通して" means 'through the internet' or 'via the internet', while "一年を通して" means 'throughout the year' or 'for a whole year'.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | 名詞 + を通して | 例: インターネットを通して (through the internet) |
| Noun (in the genitive form) | 名詞の + を通して | 例: 会社のを通して (through the company) |
| Noun (in the accusative form) | 名詞を + 通して | 例: 会社を通して (through the company) |
Examples
私たちは共通の友人を通して知り合いました。
Watashitachi wa kyōtsū no tomodachi o tsūshite shiriaimashita.
We met through a common friend.
私たちは (we), 共通の友人 (common friend), を通して (through), 知り合いました (met)
インターネットを通して世界中のニュースがわかる。
Intānetto o tsūshite sekai-chū no nyūsu ga wakaru.
Through the internet, we can get news from all around the world.
インターネット (internet), を通して (through), 世界中のニュース (news from all around the world), がわかる (can get)
一年を通してこの地方は暖かい。
Ichinen o tsūshite kono chiiki wa atsukai.
Throughout the year, this area is warm.
一年 (year), を通して (throughout), この地方 (this area), は暖かい (is warm)
会社を通しての情報は秘密です。
Kaisha o tsūshite no jōhō wa himitsu desu.
Information through the company is confidential.
会社 (company), を通して (through), の情報 (information), は秘密です (is confidential)
Context
This pattern is used to describe a means or a channel through which something is done, experienced, or communicated. It can be used in formal or informal writing and speech. It is often used in combination with other grammatical patterns to convey more complex meanings. For example, "インターネットを通して世界中のニュースがわかる" means 'through the internet, we can get news from all around the world'.
Watch out
While both patterns can be used to describe a means or a channel, 〜を通じて tends to emphasize the connection or the relationship between the medium and the action, whereas 〜を通して emphasizes the action itself.
While both patterns can be used to describe a means or a cause, 〜によって tends to emphasize the cause or the reason behind the action, whereas 〜を通して emphasizes the medium or the channel through which the action is performed.
〜を通して is a specific pattern that requires the particle を, whereas 〜に通じて or 〜によって may use the particle に or で.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. Make sure to use the correct particle and to emphasize the medium or the channel through which the action is performed.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 名詞 + を通して used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
私たちは共通の友人を通して知り合いました。
Pattern used: を通して
を通して indicates the person (friend) who acted as the medium for meeting.
インターネットを通して世界中のニュースがわかる。
Pattern used: を通して
The internet is the medium through which news is accessed.
一年を通してこの地方は暖かい。
Pattern used: を通して
を通して here means 'throughout' the entire span of a year.
Interactive
私たちは共通の友人______知り合いました。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.