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
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 通る and 追い越す.
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, 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 "通る"
この道は車がよく通ります。
Cars often pass by on this road.
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: "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.". "追い越す" represents "to pass (a car, person), to overtake".