Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Happen" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "happen", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
相次ぐ
あいつぐ (aitsugu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
通りかかる
とおりかかる (toorikakaru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "happen" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 相次ぐ and 通りかかる.
In Japanese, 相次ぐ (あいつぐ (aitsugu)) is typically associated with "to happen in succession, to follow one after another" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes multiple similar events or occurrences happening one after another, often implying a rapid or continuous sequence. Can be positive or negative..
On the other hand, 通りかかる (とおりかかる (toorikakaru)) maps to "to happen to pass by" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "happen" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "相次ぐ"
先月から、この地域で盗難事件が相次いでいる。
Since last month, theft incidents have occurred one after another in this area.
Bilingual Context for "通りかかる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために通りかかる。
Every day, I happen to pass by to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先月から、この地域で盗難事件が相次いでいる。" (Meaning: "Since last month, theft incidents have occurred one after another in this area.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "相次ぐ" fits here because it means "to happen in succession, to follow one after another" in the context of: "Since last month, theft incidents have occurred one after another in this area.". "通りかかる" represents "to happen to pass by".