Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
筋を通す (すじをとおす) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-su)
do things properly ; follow the correct procedure ; act logically
Used when someone insists on doing something in a principled, orderly, or officially correct way, often with a nuance of moral integrity or adherence to rules.
通とお
し
た
ほう
が
いい
。
You should talk to your boss first and go through the proper channels.
Written forms 筋すじ を 通とお す
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
すじを 通とお す
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the kanji 筋 is not needed.
Kanji 通 traffic, pass through, avenue Similar words 筋すじ が 通とお る 筋が通る is intransitive, meaning 'to be logical' or 'to make sense', while 筋を通す is transitive, meaning 'to make something logical' or 'to do things properly'.
Etymology From 筋 (logic, reason, principle) + を + 通す (to pass through, to stick to). The literal image is of passing a thread through something, metaphorically meaning to follow a consistent line of reasoning or procedure.