直通

ちょくつう

direct connection

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"直通" (ちょくつう) means "direct connection" or "non-stop link." It is commonly used to describe transportation services like trains, buses, or flights that go directly between two points without transfers or stops.

Common Contexts

You will often see "直通" used with trains (直通電車), buses (直通バス), or phone lines (直通電話) to emphasize a direct route or connection.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 直通電車: direct train service
  • 直通バス: direct bus service
  • 直通電話: direct telephone line
  • 直通で行く: to go directly without transfers

Register and Nuance

"直通" is neutral and commonly used in everyday conversation and formal announcements. It highlights convenience and speed by avoiding intermediate stops or connections.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "直通" with "直行" (ちょっこう), which also means "direct" but often implies going straight to a destination without detours. "直通" emphasizes a direct connection or route, especially in transport or communication contexts.

Example Sentences

このでんしゃはとうきょうからおおさかまでちょくつうでいきます。

This train goes directly from Tokyo to Osaka without transfers.

ちょくつうバスをりようすると、くうこうまではやくつきますよ。

If you use the direct bus, you will arrive at the airport quickly.

このかいしゃはほんしゃとしてんがちょくつうのでんわかいせんでつながっています。

This company is connected by a direct phone line between the headquarters and the branch.