JLPT N3 Grammar – Difference between “〜を通して” and “〜を通じて”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜を通して” and “〜を通じて”
2. 〜を通して／〜を通じて
3. Let’s Compare
4. Summary
5. Quiz
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment
Q: Can “〜を通して” and “〜を通じて” be used interchangeably?
A: Both “〜を通して” and “〜を通じて” come from the verb “通る” and are used to mean “doing or obtaining something through a person or thing.” In most cases, they can be used interchangeably without changing the meaning. However, there are subtle differences in nuance. Let’s look at how each is used, along with concrete examples.
〜を通して／〜を通じて (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
To do or obtain something through a person, object, or means.
[Rule]
[N] Noun + を通して
[N] Noun + を通じて
[Commonly used verbs]
知り合う (meet), 学ぶ (learn), 広がる (spread), 伝わる (be conveyed), 変わる (change), できる (be made), 作る (create), 交流する (interact), etc.
*In many cases, these two expressions can be used interchangeably, but there is a difference in nuance.
• “〜を通して” focuses on direct action or the method itself.
• “〜を通じて” emphasizes indirect causes, connections, or resulting effects.
[Examples]
新聞を通して社会の動きを知りました。
I learned about what’s happening in society through the newspaper.
メガネを通して見る世界は、いつもよりはっきりしています。
The world looks clearer when I see it through my glasses.
ボランティア活動を通じて多くの人とつながることができました。
I was able to connect with many people through volunteer work.
交換留学を通じて異文化理解が深まりました。
I deepened my understanding of other cultures through the exchange program.
Let’s Compare
“〜を通して” and “〜を通じて” are often used with verbs like “learn,” “know,” or “expand (one’s knowledge).”
In such cases, there is no significant difference in meaning, and the two can generally be used interchangeably.
[Examples]
今の時代は、オンラインを通してネイティブスピーカーから語学を学べます。
In today’s world, you can learn a language from native speakers through online platforms.
今の時代は、オンラインを通じてネイティブスピーカーから語学を学べます。
In today’s world, you can learn a language from native speakers via online platforms.
[ [Personを] 通して・通じて]
Both “〜を通して” and “〜を通じて” can be used to express relationships mediated by a person, but there is a subtle difference in nuance.
“〜を通して” tends to express more direct and active involvement, while “〜を通じて” often implies an indirect connection or means.
[Examples]
友人を通して夫と知り合いました。
I got to know my husband through a friend.
⇒ This suggests that the friend actively introduced the two—indicating direct involvement.
友人のパーティーを通じて夫と知り合いました。
I got to know my husband through my friend’s party.
⇒ This implies that the party provided the setting and served as an indirect opportunity for the two to meet.
[ [Tools/Meansを] 通して vs 通じて]
“〜を通して” focuses on the tool or method itself, giving the impression of directly using it to do or obtain something.
On the other hand, “〜を通じて” emphasizes the connection or broader outcome that arises from using that tool or method.
As a result, sentences using “〜を通じて” often continue with the effects or changes that came about through it.
[Examples]
〇 カメラを通して見るよりも、目で見た景色のほうが美しいです。
△ カメラを通じて見るよりも、目で見た景色のほうが美しいです。
It’s more beautiful to see the scenery with your own eyes than through a camera.
⇒ “〜を通して” is appropriate here because the focus is on the actual act of seeing through the camera as a tool.
On the other hand, “〜を通じて” is less natural in this case, as it is not typically used for such direct physical actions.
〇 インターネットを通じて世界中に友達ができました。
△ インターネットを通して世界中に友達ができました。
I made friends all over the world through the internet.
⇒ “〜を通じて” is more natural here because it conveys the idea of connection and spread that occurred through the use of the internet.
Summary
- “〜を通して” and “〜を通じて” can often be used interchangeably, but there is a difference in nuance.
- “〜を通して” focuses more on direct action or the means themselves.
- “〜を通じて” is used when emphasizing indirect causes, connections, or the effects and spread that result from them.
- When combined with words that refer to tools or methods, “〜を通して” highlights the tool itself, while “〜を通じて” tends to highlight the changes or effects that come from using it.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. Either is fine
最近の人はインターネットを通して知識を広げています。
最近の人はインターネットを通じて知識を広げています。
People today are expanding their knowledge through the internet.
*“Expand knowledge” works with both expressions, and there’s little difference in meaning.
A. 通じて
ソーシャルネットワークを通じて世界に興味を持ち始めました。
I became interested in the world through social networks.
*“通じて” is more natural here, as social networks serve as a trigger or connection.
A. 通して
フィルターを通して見るときれいだけど、そのままだと微妙だね。
It looks beautiful when seen through a filter, but not so much without it.
*“通して” is appropriate because the focus is on the filter as a tool.
A. 通して
A「彼とはどうやって知り合ったの？」 B「友達が紹介してくれたんです。」 A「へー友達を通して知り合ったんですね。」
A: How did you meet him? B: A friend introduced us. A: Oh, so you met him through a friend.
*“通して” fits naturally here, as the friend directly helped bring them together.
Similer Articles
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