Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pass" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pass", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
合格する
ごうかくする (goukaku suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
経つ
たつ (tatsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pass" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 合格する and 経つ.
In Japanese, 合格する (ごうかくする (goukaku suru)) is typically associated with "to pass (an exam); to succeed" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 試験やテストに受かることを意味します。努力の結果として目標を達成した時に使われます。.
On the other hand, 経つ (たつ (tatsu)) maps to "to pass (of time)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 時間が「経過する」ことを表す自動詞です。特定の時点からどれくらいの時間が経過したかを述べるときに用いられます。/ An intransitive verb indicating that time 'passes'. Used to state how much time has passed since a specific point.. A literal translation of "pass" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "合格する"
彼はJLPT N3に合格した。
He passed the JLPT N3.
Bilingual Context for "経つ"
日本に来てからもう5年が経った。
It has already been 5 years since I came to Japan.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はJLPT N3に合格した。" (Meaning: "He passed the JLPT N3.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "合格する" fits here because it means "to pass (an exam); to succeed" in the context of: "He passed the JLPT N3.". "経つ" represents "to pass (of time)".