疎通

• Reading: そつう
• Romaji: sotsuu
• Kanji breakdown: 疎 (so/uto) — sparse, estranged; 通 (tsu/too) — pass through, communicate
• Pronunciation: /so.tsɯː/

Meaning

Communication; mutual understanding; the free flow of ideas or feelings between people or groups. Often used in contexts where that flow is impeded or needs to be improved.

A noun typically used in formal or business language. Frequently appears in the compound 意思疎通 (mutual communication, meeting of minds), which is used more commonly than 疎通 alone. Unlike コミュニケーション (communication as a broad concept), 疎通 specifically emphasises reciprocal understanding and the removal of barriers between parties.

Examples

1. チーム内の疎通が不足していたことが、ミスの原因だった。 Insufficient communication within the team was the cause of the mistake.
2. 異文化間の疎通を促進するためにワークショップが開催された。 A workshop was held to promote communication across different cultures.
3. 意思疎通がうまくいかず、プロジェクトは混乱に陥った。 A failure of mutual communication threw the project into confusion.

Usage Guide

Context: business, team management, intercultural communication

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 疎 (so — sparse, distant, estranged) and 通 (tsu — to pass through, to communicate). The combination conveys opening channels that are blocked or sparse, restoring a clear flow of communication.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional