pass · communicate

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on readings are つう, つ, and the kun readings are とおる, とおす, かよう. It has 10 strokes and relates to someone or something passing, or causing an object to pass through.
• Basic usage: 通る is read とおる, and 通す is read とおす.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 通る / 通す
  • 通る means pass or go through and is read とおる. It describes a person or object passing along a route or through an opening.
  • 細い糸が針の穴を通るまで何度も試した。 means “I tried several times before the thin thread went through the eye of the needle.”
  • 通す means to pass through or to carry through and is read とおす. It describes passing an object through an opening or carrying a position through to the end.
  • 細い穴に糸を通した。 means “I passed the thread through the small hole.”