通
Meanings
noun, noun, used as a suffix, na-adjective
expert; connoisseur; person in the know
Used for someone deeply knowledgeable about a field, hobby, place, or inside situation. Often follows a noun as a suffix, as in ワイン通 or 事情通.
He is known as a wine connoisseur.
That reporter is well informed about the political world.
counter for messages and documents
A counter for letters, emails, notices, applications, certificates, and similar written communications or documents.
One email arrived.
Please submit two copies of the application form.
supernatural powers; magical powers
Rare as an independent modern noun; mainly recognizable in compounds or religious-style terms referring to extraordinary or supernatural powers.
The tsū in 神通力 preserves an older use referring to supernatural power.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉通an expert/connoisseur of ~ (e.g. ワイン通, 事情通)
He's a wine connoisseur and often drinks rare wines.
- 〈数〉通の〈物〉counting letters, emails, or documents
Three letters arrived from her.