通じる

• Reading: つうじる
• Romaji: tsuujiru
• Kanji breakdown: 通 (tsuu/tooru) — pass through, connect, commute
• Pronunciation: /tsɯː.dʑi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To lead to; to be connected; to communicate; to be understood.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb with multiple important meanings. Used for roads connecting (道が駅に通じる, the road leads to the station), being understood (英語が通じる, English is understood/works), having deep knowledge (事情に通じている, to be well-versed), and phone connections (電話が通じる, the call goes through). Extremely versatile.

Examples

1. この道は駅に通じている。 This road leads to the station.
2. 英語が通じなくて困った。 I had trouble because English didn't get through.
3. やっと電話が通じた。 The phone call finally went through.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, communication, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 通 (tsuu, to pass through) with the verb suffix じる. From the idea of something 'passing through' completely — a road reaching its destination, a message reaching its recipient, or understanding reaching one's mind.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal