を通じて
Through, Via, Throughout
Structure
Noun + を通じて
Explanation
The Japanese grammar expressions を通じて and を通して share a very close meaning and are frequently used in similar contexts. In essence, they convey the idea of 'by means of (A), (B)' or 'via (A), (B)'. The 'means' can refer to a channel, an intermediary, or a physical space.
The verbs 通じる, meaning 'to be connected' or 'to get through', and 通す, meaning 'to pass through', are the foundation of these patterns. The key distinction is that 通じる is intransitive, while 通す is transitive. Consequently, 通じる is typically used for things like communication or information, where (A) acts as the medium by which (B) happens. In contrast, 通す is more common for physical spaces or intermediaries that something is actively passed through. Since these grammar patterns start with を, they follow a noun and precede the clause (B) that describes what was accomplished 'through' (A).
- 友人の結婚はSNSを通じて聞きました。I heard about my friend's marriage through social media.
- 音楽を通じて、様々な国の文化に触れることができる。Through music, you can experience the cultures of various countries.
- 大学のクラブ活動を通してたくさんの友達ができた。I made a lot of friends through my university club activities.
- インターンシップを通して、貴重な経験をすることができました。I was able to gain valuable experience through my internship.
Caution
The main distinction between を通じて and を通して stems from the transitive/intransitive quality of their root verbs. As a result, actions performed 'purposefully' or 'using (A) as a tool' generally favor を通して. Conversely, を通じて is frequently used to describe a state that persists 'throughout' an entire period (A).
- この公園は四季を通じて美しいです。This park is beautiful throughout all four seasons. (Natural Japanese)
- アルバイトに応募したい場合は、先生を通じて店長に伝えてください。If you want to apply for the part-time job, please tell the manager through your teacher. (Unnatural Japanese)
- アルバイトに応募したい場合は、先生を通して店長に伝えてください。If you want to apply for the part-time job, please tell the manager through your teacher. (Natural Japanese)
- この公園は四季を通して美しいです。This park is beautiful throughout all four seasons. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
サークル活動を通して、彼と親しくなった。
I became close with him through our club activities.
アルバイトを通じて社会の厳しさを知った。
I learned how tough the real world is through my part-time job.
アニメを通して日本の文化に興味を持った。
I became interested in Japanese culture through anime.
趣味を通じてたくさんの友人ができた。
I made a lot of friends through my hobbies.
一年を通してこの島は暖かい。
This island is warm throughout the year.
大学のキャリアセンターを通じて会社に応募した。
I applied to the company through the university's career center.
留学経験を通して、異文化理解が深まった。
Through my experience studying abroad, my understanding of different cultures deepened.
インターネットを通じて海外の家族と連絡を取っている。
I keep in touch with my family overseas via the internet.
スポーツを通して、チームワークの大切さを学んだ。
I learned the importance of teamwork through sports.
SNSを通じて最新のニュースを知ることが多い。
I often find out the latest news through social media.
病気を通して、健康のありがたみが分かった。
Through my illness, I came to appreciate the value of good health.
四季を通じてさまざまな行事が行われる。
Various events are held throughout the four seasons.