| 通る (tooru) | 渡る (wataru) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To pass through / go along | To cross over (a barrier, boundary, or gap) |
| Nuance | Movement along a path or through a space | Movement across from one side to the other |
| Typical objects | Road, corridor, tunnel, filter | Bridge, road, river, border |
| Direction | Along / through | Across / over |
YukaWhen do I use 通る and when do I use 渡る? Both seem to involve movement.
Rei通る is about passing through or along something — like going down a road. 渡る is about crossing from one side to the other — like crossing a bridge or a street.
What Does 通る (tooru) Mean?
通る means to pass through, to go along, or to get through. It describes movement along a path, through a space, or through a medium. It can also mean “to be accepted” or “to pass” (e.g., a proposal passing).
- この道を通ってください。 — Please go along this road.
- トンネルを通った。 — I went through the tunnel.
- 声が壁を通って聞こえた。 — The voice came through the wall.
- 試験に通った。 — I passed the exam.
What Does 渡る (wataru) Mean?
渡る means to cross — specifically to move from one side to the other across a gap, boundary, or obstacle. It is used for bridges, crosswalks, rivers, borders, and other things you cross over.
- 橋を渡った。 — I crossed the bridge.
- 横断歩道を渡ってください。 — Please cross at the crosswalk.
- 川を渡るのは危険だ。 — It is dangerous to cross the river.
- 国境を渡った。 — I crossed the border.
Key Differences
| Feature | 通る | 渡る |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Along / through | Across / from one side to other |
| Barrier? | No barrier — a path or medium | Yes — something to cross over |
| For tunnels? | Yes — トンネルを通る | No |
| For bridges? | Can “pass by” a bridge | Yes — 橋を渡る (cross the bridge) |
| Abstract use? | Yes — 試験に通る (pass exam) | Rare |
YukaWhat about crossing a street? Can I use either?
ReiFor crossing a street, 渡る is more natural — 道を渡る (cross the road). 道を通る means “go along/down the road,” not crossing it. The direction changes the word!
Common Expressions
- お世話になります — (unrelated, but note:)
- 話が通る — The story makes sense / the argument gets through
- 血が通う — Blood flows through (to have humanity/warmth)
- 世界を渡る — To travel the world / to get by in the world
- 難関を渡る — To navigate a difficult situation
Quick Quiz
Fill in: 通る or 渡る?
- 1. 橋を___ときれいな景色が見えた。 (When I crossed the bridge, I saw a beautiful view.)
- 2. この細い道を___と公園に出る。 (If you go through this narrow road, you reach the park.)
- 3. 交差点を___ときは注意して。 (Be careful when you cross the intersection.)
- 4. 企画書が上司に___た。 (My proposal got through to my boss.)
Answers: 1. 渡る 2. 通る 3. 渡る 4. 通っ
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Summary
| 通る | 渡る | |
|---|---|---|
| Core image | Moving along a path / through a medium | Moving from one side to the other |
| Use for | Roads, tunnels, filters, approval | Bridges, crosswalks, rivers, borders |
| Direction | Through / along | Across / over |
