Usage of ～通
The counter ～通 (つう) is used specifically to count letters, emails, documents, or other written communications. It is a formal and common counter in both spoken and written Japanese when referring to the number of such items.
Common Contexts
You will often see ～通 used in business or official contexts, such as counting emails, letters, or application forms. It is less common to use this counter for casual notes or messages, but it is still understood.
Collocations and Patterns
- 三通のメール (さんつうのメール): three emails
- 二通の手紙 (につうのてがみ): two letters
- 五通必要 (ごつうひつよう): five required (documents)
Notes
When using ～通, the number precedes the counter as usual. This counter is not used for phone calls or verbal communications, only written ones. A common learner mistake is confusing ～通 with ～回 (times) when counting communications; remember ～通 is for written messages only.
This counter is polite and neutral in tone, suitable for formal and informal situations involving written correspondence.