Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pass" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pass", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
追い越す
おいこす (oikosu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受かる
うかる (ukaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pass" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 追い越す and 受かる.
In Japanese, 追い越す (おいこす (oikosu)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 受かる (うかる (ukaru)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "pass" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "高速道路で前の車を追い越した。" (Meaning: "I overtook the car in front on the highway.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "追い越す" fits here because it means "to pass (a car, person), to overtake" in the context of: "I overtook the car in front on the highway.". "受かる" represents "to pass (an exam); to be accepted (e.g., into a school)".