〜通(つう)

つう
counter
counter for letters/documents
1. counter for letters, documents, and written communications
Used to count pieces of mail, official documents, and written communications.
手紙(てがみ)を3通(さんつう)書(か)いた。
I wrote three letters.
応募書類(おうぼしょるい)は2通(につう)必要(ひつよう)です。
Two copies of the application documents are required.
今日(きょう)は何通(なんつう)メールが来(き)ましたか。
How many emails came today?
契約書(けいやくしょ)を2通(につう)作(つく)って、1通(いっつう)は相手(あいて)に渡(わた)す。
Make two copies of the contract and give one to the other party.
年末(ねんまつ)になると、毎年(まいとし)何十通(なんじゅっつう)もの年賀状(ねんがじょう)を書(か)かなければならない。
At year-end, I have to write dozens of New Year's cards every year.

COUNTING:

  • 一(いっ)通(つう) (1 letter)
  • 二(に)通(つう) (2 letters)
  • 三(さん)通(つう) (3 letters)
  • 何通(なんつう) (how many letters)

COMMON USES:

  • 手紙(てがみ) (letters)
  • メール (emails)
  • 書類(しょるい) (documents)
  • 履歴書(りれきしょ) (resumes)
  • 申請書(しんせいしょ) (applications)

NOTE: This counter emphasizes the 'through/communication' aspect (通(つう)じる = to communicate). Different from 枚(まい) which counts flat objects by their physical form.

Related Words

Related: 〜枚(まい) (flat objects)
core
Added 2026.1.13 16:50 · Revised 2026.3.3 9:31
04000/04025_tsuu