Word
通用
Meaning in Englishpopular use, circulation
Animated kanji stroke order
Word context
What it means
通用 means that a term, rule, or practice is broadly used and accepted across different people or contexts. It describes something that works, applies, or is respected widely, not limited to a particular group or situation.
Main meanings
- General use and broad applicability — tsūyō
- Generally accepted or understood in ordinary discourse — tsūyō
- Widely recognized in official or technical contexts — tsūyō
How to use it
Used in formal, neutral, and written contexts to indicate broad applicability or acceptance; commonly appears in dictionaries, policy texts, academic writing, and media commentary. Phrases include 現在通用している, 一般に通用する, この用語は通用する。
Variants and close terms
- 普及する — fukyū suru — to become widely used
- 一般に受け入れられる — ippan ni ukeire rareru — to be generally accepted
- 通用しない — tsūyō shinai — not in use / not accepted
Composition
- 通 - through; to pass; common usage
- 用 - use, purpose, function
Etymology
tsūyō is the on'yomi reading of 通用, borrowed from Chinese tongyòng; its phonetic path follows standard on'yomi adaptation rules, pairing the characters with their common readings to form a typical compound pronunciation.
Word class
Noun (suru-verb)
Related words by kanji and components
N1
通常
tsuujou
common, normal, usual
N1
見通し
mitooshi
perspective, unobstructed view, prospect
N1
無用
muyou
useless, needlessness, unnecessariness
N1
融通
yuuzuu
adaptability, versatility, finance
N1
用件
youken
business
N1
用紙
youshi
a form
N1
用品
youhin
articles, supplies, parts
N1
用法
youhou
directions, rules of use
N1
濫用
ranyou
abuse, misuse, using to excess