通る

• Reading: とおる
• Romaji: tooru
• Kanji breakdown: 通 (tsuu/too) — pass through, commute, communicate
• Pronunciation: /to.o.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To pass through; to go along; to travel along. Moving through or along a path, road, or space.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb conjugating with the る row. Used for passing through places (道を通る), vehicles passing by (車が通る), and figuratively for exams (試験に通る = pass an exam) and proposals being approved (意見が通る).

Examples

1. この道を通って駅に行けますか。 Can I get to the station by going along this road?
2. 大きなトラックが目の前を通った。 A large truck passed right in front of me.
3. 試験に通ることができてうれしいです。 I'm happy that I was able to pass the exam.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, travel, exams

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the kanji 通 (tsuu/too) meaning pass through. Shares the same character as 通う (kayou), but focuses on the single act of passing through rather than habitual travel.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal