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
通りかかる
とおりかかる (toorikakaru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pass" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 追い越す and 通りかかる.
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, 通りかかる (とおりかかる (toorikakaru)) 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 "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 "通りかかる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために通りかかる。
Every day, I pass by to practice Japanese.
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.". "通りかかる" represents "to pass by".