〜通(つう)

つう

counter

counter for letters/documents

number

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(なん)通(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(なんじゅっ)通(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 patterns

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

Common collocations

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 2026.9.4 21:29

04000/04025_tsuu