無理を通す

muri o tōsu
phrase★Intermediate— to push through despite difficulty
◆ What It Really Means
To insist on doing something despite it being difficult or unreasonable.
Literal Meaning
To pass through something unreasonable.
Literal Breakdown
無理unreasonable or difficult+をparticle indicating the object+通すto pass through
◇ Mental Image
The image of forcing something through a narrow or difficult passage, symbolizing persistence despite obstacles.
◈ When to Use
A student who insists on studying all night despite being exhausted to meet a deadline.
◉ Cultural Note
This phrase reflects the cultural value of perseverance and determination in Japanese society, but it can also imply stubbornness or recklessness.
informal

To insist on doing something despite it being difficult, unreasonable, or against one's better judgment.

無理を通してでも目標を達成したい。

I want to achieve the goal, no matter how difficult it is.

無理を通すと体に悪影響が出るかもしれない。

Pushing through might have bad effects on your body.

💡

This phrase is often used to describe someone who is stubbornly persistent, sometimes to their own detriment.

Collocations

無理を通すto push through despite difficulty

Related Phrases

無理を押すphrase
to push through despite difficulty
無理を言うphrase
to insist on something unreasonable

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This phrase is often used to describe someone who is being stubborn or overly persistent, sometimes to their own detriment.

⚡Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

While the literal meaning involves passing through something difficult, the figurative meaning is about insisting on something despite obstacles.

📖Word Origin

Composed of 無理 (muri, meaning 'unreasonable' or 'difficult') and 通す (tōsu, meaning 'to pass through' or 'to insist on').

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in contexts where someone is being overly persistent or stubborn, sometimes to the point of being unreasonable.

Word Breakdown

無理
unreasonable or difficult
root
+
を
particle indicating the object
particle
+
通す
to pass through or insist on
verb
和英辞典