Basis, means and cause

～を通じて / ～を通して

through; by means of; throughout (a period)

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How to form it

  • Noun + を通じて
  • Noun + を通して (very close in meaning)

Register: Neutral to formal

Explanation

Has two main uses. With a person, thing or medium it means 'by way of, via'. With a period of time it means 'throughout, all through'.

With a period of time (一年, 生涯, 季節) you get a 'from start to end' feeling. With a medium (the internet, a friend) it shows the channel of contact or communication.

Examples

  1. 友人を通じて、彼女と知り合った。

    ゆうじんをつうじて、かのじょとしりあった。

    I got to know her through a friend.

  2. インターネットを通じて、世界中の人と交流できる。

    インターネットをつうじて、せかいじゅうのひととこうりゅうできる。

    You can interact with people all over the world via the internet.

  3. この地方は一年を通じて、温暖な気候だ。

    このちほうはいちねんをつうじて、おんだんなきこうだ。

    This region has a mild climate all year round.

Compare with

  • ～に基づいて: に基づいて gives the foundation of something; を通じて gives the channel or the span.

Common mistakes

  • Using it for a physical place you pass through. Use を通って or を通り抜けて for that.