JLPT N2 grammar
〜を通じて / を通して — Meaning & Examples
Through a medium (友人を通じて) or throughout a period (一年を通じて). Nearly interchangeable; を通じて is slightly more written.
〜を通じて and 〜をめぐって
〜を通じて / 〜を通して = "through / via." Two uses.
1. Through a medium or intermediary:
友人を通じて、彼を紹介してもらった。
= I was introduced to him through a friend.
インターネットを通じて、世界中の人と話せる。
= Through the internet, you can talk to people worldwide.
2. Throughout a period:
一年を通じて、この島は暖かい。
= Throughout the year, this island is warm.
を通じて vs を通して: nearly interchangeable. を通じて leans slightly more written and more common for periods; を通して leans slightly more active ("by means of"). Either is accepted on the exam.
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〜をめぐって = "surrounding / over." Used specifically for something contested — a debate, dispute, controversy or conflict.
新しい法律をめぐって、激しい議論が続いている。
= Heated debate continues over the new law.
遺産をめぐって、家族が争っている。
= The family is fighting over the inheritance.
Noun-modifying form: をめぐる
環境問題をめぐる議論 = the debate surrounding environmental issues
The key nuance: をめぐって implies conflict or multiple competing positions. You would not use it for a friendly chat. That restriction is exactly what the exam tests. ⚔️
Practice questions
Try this question on 〜を通じて / を通して. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. 友人を通じて彼を紹介してもらった means?
- I was introduced to him through a friend
- I introduced him to a friend
- I met him at a friend's house
- My friend is like him
Show answer
Answer: I was introduced to him through a friend
〜を通じて = through a medium or intermediary. Also used for periods: 一年を通じて = throughout the year.
Practise 〜を通じて / を通して in the free app
This point is part of the “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N2 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N2 grammar points
From the same lesson: 📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜を通じて / を通して mean?
Through a medium (友人を通じて) or throughout a period (一年を通じて). Nearly interchangeable; を通じて is slightly more written.
Is 〜を通じて / を通して on the JLPT N2 test?
〜を通じて / を通して is taught in the JLPT N2 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜を通じて / を通して?
Open the “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N2 mock exams, with no ads.