Meaning and Usage
The verb 通す (とおす) primarily means "to let pass" or "to allow through." It can be used literally, such as allowing a person or vehicle to pass through a place, or figuratively, such as allowing something to be accepted or overlooked.
Common Contexts
通す is often used in contexts involving permission or continuation. For example, you might say 車を通す to mean "let a car pass through," or 計画を通す to mean "carry out a plan to completion."
Collocations and Patterns
- 道を通す: to let pass through a road or path
- 注意を通す: to overlook or allow a warning
- 計画を通す: to carry out or continue a plan
Register and Nuance
通す is a neutral verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It often implies an active decision to allow or continue something. Be careful not to confuse it with 通る (とおる), which is intransitive and means "to pass through" without the sense of allowing or causing.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 通す with 通る. Remember, 通す is transitive (you let something pass), while 通る is intransitive (something passes). For example, 車を通す (let a car pass) vs. 車が通る (a car passes).