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
追い越す
おいこす (oikosu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pass" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 合格する and 追い越す.
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, 追い越す (おいこす (oikosu)) maps to "to pass (a car, person), to overtake" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 前にいる人や物を、スピードを上げて前に出る。Used when increasing speed to get ahead of someone or something that is in front.. 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 "追い越す"
高速道路で前の車を追い越した。
I overtook the car in front on the highway.
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.". "追い越す" represents "to pass (a car, person), to overtake".