Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pass" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pass", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
受かる
うかる (ukaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
潜る
くぐる (kuguru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pass" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 受かる and 潜る.
In Japanese, 受かる (うかる (ukaru)) is typically associated with "to pass (an exam); to be accepted (e.g., into a school)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for exams, tests, or applications. It implies success in a selection process. The formal/polite form is 受かります.
On the other hand, 潜る (くぐる (kuguru)) maps to "to pass under, dive" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "pass" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "受かる"
JLPT N3の試験に受かるために、毎日勉強しています。
I'm studying every day to pass the JLPT N3 exam.
Bilingual Context for "潜る"
毎日、日本語を練習するために潜る。
Every day, I pass under, dive to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "JLPT N3の試験に ＿＿＿ ために、毎日勉強しています。" (Meaning: "I'm studying every day to pass the JLPT N3 exam.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "受かる" fits here because it means "to pass (an exam); to be accepted (e.g., into a school)" in the context of: "I'm studying every day to pass the JLPT N3 exam.". "潜る" represents "to pass under, dive".