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
通り過ぎる
とおりすぎる (toorisugiru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pass" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 合格する and 通り過ぎる.
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, 通り過ぎる (とおりすぎる (toorisugiru)) maps to "to pass by" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "通り過ぎる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために通り過ぎる。
Every day, I pass by to practice Japanese.
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.". "通り過ぎる" represents "to pass by".