Grammar › Comparison & Degree
〜通り(に) — “just as, in the way that”
Matching a model exactly: 説明した通りにやってください — please do it just as I explained
Dictionary/た-form + 通り(に), or noun + の通り(に), says something matches a model, instruction, or expectation exactly — “just as X” or “exactly like X.” 予想通り (as expected) is one of the most common everyday uses.
How to form it
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| Plain form + 通り(に) | 説明した通りに — just as (I) explained |
| Noun + の通り(に) | 予想の通り — just as expected |
Example sentences
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 私が説明した通りに、やってみてください。 | わたしがせつめいしたとおりに、やってみてください。 watashigasetsumeishitatoorini、yattemitekudasai。 | Please try doing it just as I explained. |
| 予想通り、試験は難しかった。 | よそうどおり、しけんはむずかしかった。 yosoudoori、shikenhamuzukashikatta。 | Just as expected, the exam was difficult. |
| 地図の通りに行けば、駅に着きます。 | ちずのとおりにいけば、えきにつきます。 chizunotooriniikeba、ekinitsukimasu。 | If you go exactly as the map shows, you'll reach the station. |
🔊 Tap any Japanese sentence to hear it; kanji link to their study pages.
Watch out
When 通り follows a noun directly, its reading shifts to どおり (予想通り = よそうどおり) rather than とおり — a small but noticeable pronunciation shift that trips up learners reading it aloud for the first time.
