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
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 通る and 通り過ぎる.
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, 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 "通る"
この道は車がよく通ります。
Cars often pass by on this road.
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: "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.". "通り過ぎる" represents "to pass by".