Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pass" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pass", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
過ぎる
すぎる (sugiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
薨
こうずる
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pass" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 過ぎる and 薨.
In Japanese, 過ぎる (すぎる (sugiru)) is typically associated with "to pass; to exceed; to go beyond; to be too..." (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physical time passing, values exceeding limits, or suffix 'すぎる' meaning doing something to excess.
On the other hand, 薨 (こうずる) maps to "To pass away (an honorific verb used for high-ranking nobles or imperial family members below the emperor)" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "pass" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "過ぎる"
オフィスの時計が定時の午後6時を大きく_______頃、彼は緊急のサーバーバグ修正を完了させて大きく息を吐き出しました。
When the clock in the office greatly passed the regular hours of 6 p.m., he completed the emergency server bug correction and exhaled a big sigh.
Bilingual Context for "薨"
毎日、日本語を練習するために薨。
Every day, I pass away (an honorific verb used for high-ranking nobles or imperial family members below the emperor) to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "オフィスの時計が定時の午後6時を大きく_______頃、彼は緊急のサーバーバグ修正を完了させて大きく息を吐き出しました。" (Meaning: "When the clock in the office greatly passed the regular hours of 6 p.m., he completed the emergency server bug correction and exhaled a big sigh.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "過ぎる" fits here because it means "to pass; to exceed; to go beyond; to be too..." in the context of: "When the clock in the office greatly passed the regular hours of 6 p.m., he completed the emergency server bug correction and exhaled a big sigh.". "薨" represents "To pass away (an honorific verb used for high-ranking nobles or imperial family members below the emperor)".