Congratulations on passing your test! Now, let’s explore how to express this achievement in Japanese. The Japanese language offers various ways to convey this accomplishment, depending on the level of formality and the context in which you wish to express it. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “I passed the test” in Japanese. We’ll also provide you with helpful tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When you want to convey your success in a more formal setting, such as with your teachers, employers, or other respected individuals, consider using the following phrases:
1. 試験に合格しました (Shiken ni gōkaku shimashita)
This phrase directly translates to “I passed the test” and is the most straightforward and polite way to express your accomplishment. It is suitable for formal occasions, such as when informing your boss or teacher about your success. Remember to use the appropriate politeness level, so if you need to adjust it, you can replace “しました (shimashita)” with the equivalent politeness level, such as “しましたです (shimashita desu)” or “しましたよ (shimashita yo).”
2. 試験に合格いたしました (Shiken ni gōkaku itashimashita)
Using “いたしました (itashimashita)” adds a higher level of politeness and respect to your expression. This form is suitable for more formal situations, like addressing higher-ranking individuals or showing respect to important figures within your organization. Again, it’s essential to adjust the politeness level, if needed, by using “いたしましたです (itashimashita desu)” or “いたしましたよ (itashimashita yo)” instead.
Informal Expressions
In less formal situations, such as when talking to your friends or family members, you can use the following phrases to convey your success in a more casual tone:
1. 試験に合格したよ (Shiken ni gōkaku shita yo)
This phrase is a casual way to say “I passed the test.” It’s a suitable choice when talking to your friends or family members. The use of “よ (yo)” adds emphasis and conveys your excitement about your achievement. Remember to adjust the level of casualness and familiarity based on the context and the individuals you’re speaking to.
2. 試験パスした (Shiken pasu shita)
This expression is even more casual and abbreviated. It is often used among close friends or peers. “パス (pasu)” is a loanword from English, meaning “to pass.” Using this phrase showcases a more relaxed and informal tone, so ensure it aligns with the context and relationship with the person you’re speaking to.
Tips and Examples
Here are a few tips and additional examples to help you further understand and master expressing your success in passing a test in Japanese:
1. Be mindful of your audience
Adjust the level of formality based on the person you are speaking to. Use formal expressions with teachers, supervisors, or anyone you respect, and choose informal expressions when talking to peers or close friends.
2. Consider adding additional information
Instead of solely stating “I passed the test,” you can include additional details like the subject or level of the test. For example, you could say “英語の試験に合格しました (Eigo no shiken ni gōkaku shimashita)” which means “I passed the English test.”
3. Use expressions of gratitude
Appreciate the effort of your teachers or supporters by adding phrases of gratitude. For instance, you can say “お世話になりました (Osewa ni narimashita)” meaning “Thank you for your support.”
4. Utilize body language and gestures
In addition to verbal expressions, you can convey your excitement by smiling, showing enthusiasm, or even doing a small celebratory gesture. Non-verbal cues can enhance the impact of your accomplishment announcement.
5. Adjust based on regional variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout Japan, it’s important to note that regional variations and dialects exist within the country. If you’re in a specific region of Japan, pay attention to the local dialect and try to adapt your expressions accordingly.
Example:
In Kansai dialect, you can say “テストに受かったで (Tesuto ni ukatta de)” instead of the standard “試験に合格したよ (Shiken ni gōkaku shita yo)” to express “I passed the test.”
Remember to always keep the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to in mind when choosing the appropriate expression to convey your success in passing a test. Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say “I passed the test” in Japanese, you can confidently share your achievement with others in a manner that suits the situation. Congratulations once again on your accomplishment, and best of luck with your future endeavors!
