Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pass" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pass", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
通る
とおる (tōru)
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 通る and 経つ.
In Japanese, 通る (とおる (tōru)) is typically associated with "to pass (by); to go through" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something or someone moves from one point to another, often along a road, path, or through an opening. ある場所から別の場所へ移動する、またはある場所の中を通過するときに使います。.
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 "通る"
この道は車がよく通ります。
Cars often pass by on this road.
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: "この道は車がよく通ります。" (Meaning: "Cars often pass by on this road.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "通る" fits here because it means "to pass (by); to go through" in the context of: "Cars often pass by on this road.". "経つ" represents "to pass (of time)".