# 通す（とおす）: continue through to the end > Learn how to use 通す（とおす）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning continue through to the end, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-toosu/ **通す（とおす）** means **continue through to the end**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **show doing something continuously or all the way through**. This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **show doing something continuously or all the way through**, **通す（とおす）** is a useful pattern to learn. ## What does 通す（とおす） mean? Use **通す（とおす）** when you want to **show doing something continuously or all the way through**. Natural translations include: - continue through to the end The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer's or speaker's purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context. ## How to form 通す（とおす）
Verb ます-stem + 通す
Examples of the pattern: - やり通す - 働き通す - 読み通す The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word. ## When is 通す（とおす） used? Use **通す（とおす）** in situations like: - explaining grammar in context - answering JLPT reading questions - making natural Japanese sentences Tone and register: - neutral - Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences ## 通す（とおす） example sentences
最後さいごまでやり通とおすことが大切たいせつだ。
It is important to carry it through to the end.
N3
彼かれは一日中いちにちじゅう働はたらき通した。
He worked continuously all day.
N3
この本ほんを一晩ひとばんで読よみ通した。
I read this book all the way through in one night.
N3
自分じぶんの意見いけんを最後さいごまで押おし通した。
He pushed his opinion through to the end.
N3
雨あめの中なかを走はしり通した。
I kept running through the rain.
N3
After reading each sentence, ask what job **通す（とおす）** is doing: **showing doing something continuously or all the way through**. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of 通す（とおす） The key nuance is **a natural way to express “continue through to the end” with the right context and tone**. This matters because **通す（とおす）** does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the condition, timing, example, role, intention, or contrast in the sentence. For example: - In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance. - Compared with **[続ける](/blog/n4-tsuzukeru/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality. ## 通す（とおす） vs 続ける Both **通す（とおす）** and **[続ける](/blog/n4-tsuzukeru/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different. **通す（とおす）**: - means **continue through to the end** - fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above **[続ける](/blog/n4-tsuzukeru/)**: - 続ける means continue; 通す emphasizes persistence all the way through a period or to the end Quick contrast examples: - Target: 最後までやり通すことが大切だ。 — It is important to carry it through to the end. - Compare: Try replacing it with **[続ける](/blog/n4-tsuzukeru/)** and check whether the nuance still matches. If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence casual, formal, written, explanatory, or emotional? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with 通す（とおす）
❌
Using 通す with the wrong verb form.
✅
Attach 通す to the ます-stem of the verb.
❌
Confusing 通す with 続ける.
✅
Remember that 通す emphasizes carrying an action through to the end, while 続ける simply means to continue.
❌
Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence.
✅
Read the full context to confirm the nuance of “all the way through” fits.
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **通す（とおす）**, then rewrite it with **続ける**. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is 通す（とおす） on the JLPT?
N3

Yes. 通す（とおす） is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.

  • recognize it in reading
  • understand its nuance in context
  • use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning. ## Practice questions for 通す（とおす）
1 Write one sentence using 通す（とおす）. Production
2 Contrast 通す（とおす） with 続ける. Comparison
3 Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear. Context
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for 通す（とおす）
1 First, make sure you can form 通す（とおす） without looking at the pattern chart.
2 Next, compare it with 続ける, JLPT N3 grammar lessons. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3 Finally, write sentences where the grammar point’s nuance is necessary; then check whether replacing 通す（とおす） with JLPT N3 grammar lessons changes the meaning.
## Related grammar to review next - [続ける](/blog/n4-tsuzukeru/) — because it is the closest comparison used in this article. ## Learn 通す（とおす） with Hane If you want to review **通す（とおす）** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)