1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “通” (tsuu) generally means “to pass through,” “to communicate,” or “to be connected.” It conveys the idea of movement, flow, or interaction between entities.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “通” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “road” (行) and the character for “to reach” (甬), symbolizing the concept of passing through a path or connection.
Radical: The radical of “通” is 行 (gyou), which relates to movement or action.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “通” are:
- 交通 (こうつう, koutsuu) – traffic, transportation
- 通話 (つうわ, tsuuwa) – phone call
- 通学 (つうがく, tsuugaku) – commuting to school
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この道は通れますか？ (このみちはとおれますか？) – Can I pass through this road?
- 彼と通話中です。 (かれとつうわちゅうです。) – I am on a call with him.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “連” (ren), which means “to connect” or “to link.” While both kanji convey a sense of connection, “通” emphasizes the act of passing through or communicating, whereas “連” focuses more on the idea of linking or joining.
Antonyms: An antonym of “通” is “閉” (hei), which means “to close” or “to shut.” This represents the opposite action of blocking or preventing passage.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “通” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of communication and transportation, which are vital for social interaction and economic activities.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “通じる” (つうじる, tsuuji ru), meaning “to understand” or “to be connected.” This reflects the importance of communication in relationships and society.