An expert or connoisseur in a particular field; someone well informed (often used as a noun or suffix, e.g. ワイン通).
彼はワイン通なので、レストランでワインを選ぶのが上手だ。
He's a wine connoisseur, so he's good at choosing wines at restaurants.
あの店には映画通が集まって、よく上映会が開かれる。
Film buffs gather at that shop, and screenings are often held there.
彼女はファッション通として雑誌に紹介された。
She was featured in a magazine as a fashion expert.
A counter for messages, letters, documents, etc. (used like 1 通, 2 通).
重要な通知を三通、返信用封筒付きで送りました。
I sent three important notices with return envelopes.
そのメールは二通届いていたが、片方は迷惑メールだった。
Two emails had arrived, but one of them was spam.
申し込み用紙は一通ずつ受付で確認します。
We check each application form one by one at reception.
Understanding or tact (especially regarding male–female relations); insight or savvy in dealing with people.
あの彼は異性の扱いに通があるから、相談に乗ってもらった。
He has a knack for dealing with the opposite sex, so I asked him for advice.
職場の人間関係に通がある人は、場をうまくまとめられる。
People who have savvy in workplace relationships can manage group dynamics well.
客の気持ちに通がある接客は信頼を生む。
Customer service that understands customers' feelings builds trust.
In folklore or religious contexts, a (sometimes archaic) term for supernatural or spiritual powers.
古い説話では、山に通を備えた仙人が住んでいると言われることがある。
In old tales, it is sometimes said that a hermit possessing supernatural powers lives on the mountain.