Guide: How to Say “Pass” in Japanese

Learning how to say “pass” in Japanese is essential for effective communication in various situations. Whether you’re talking about passing a test, passing an object, or passing by someone, each scenario requires a different word or phrase. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express the concept of “pass” in Japanese, while also providing tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Pass”

When it comes to formal situations, such as in academic or professional settings, it is crucial to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions for “pass” in Japanese:

1. 合格する (ごうかくする) – This is the most common term used to say “pass” in relation to exams, tests, or evaluations. It is a formal phrase that indicates successful completion of something. For example:
   

   先週の試験に合格しました。
   (Senshū no shiken ni gōkaku shimashita.)
   I passed last week’s exam.

2. 通過する (つうかする) – This phrase is used to convey the act of passing through something, like a physical barrier or security checkpoint. It can be utilized in formal discussions or instructions. For example:
   

   エアポートセキュリティを通過してください。
   (Eapōto sekyuriti o tsūka shite kudasai.)
   Please pass through airport security.

3. 渡す (わたす) – When you want to express the act of passing an object or giving something to someone, the verb “渡す” is commonly used in formal situations. It implies a respectful transfer. For example:
   

   書類を上司に渡してください。
   (Shorui o jōshi ni watashite kudasai.)
   Please pass the documents to the boss.

Informal Ways to Say “Pass”

Informal situations, such as chatting with friends or casual interactions, allow for more conversational expressions to convey the concept of “pass.” Here are some informal phrases commonly used by native speakers:

1. 合格 (ごうかく) – In informal situations, dropping the verb “する” and using just the noun “合格” alone is perfectly acceptable. For example:
   

   合格した！
   (Gōkaku shita!)
   I passed!

2. 通り過ぎる (とおりすぎる) – This phrase is used to express physically passing by someone or something. It can also imply figurative passing, such as missing an opportunity. For example:
   

   高校時代の友達に通り過ぎた。
   (Kōkō jidai no tomodachi ni tōrisugita.)
   I passed by an old friend from high school.

3. 渡す (わたす) – Just like its formal usage, the verb “渡す” can also be utilized in informal situations to mean passing an object. For example:
   

   ノートを渡してくれる？
   (Nōto o watashite kureru?)
   Can you pass me the notebook?

Regional Variations

Japanese dialects can often introduce variations in vocabulary even for basic words like “pass.” Here are a couple of regional variations you might encounter:

• とおれる (とおれる) – In some parts of western Japan, such as Kansai, people use “とおれる” as an informal way to say “pass,” especially when referring to exams or tests. For example:
  

  今回の試験、とおれたわ。
  (Konkai no shiken, tooreta wa.)
  I passed the exam this time.

• さしちゃう (さしちゃう) – This informal expression, often heard in the Tokyo dialect, means “to end up passing by without intending to.” It can be used in a variety of situations. For example:
  

  歩いていたら、家の前をさしちゃった。
  (Aruite itara, ie no mae o sashichatta.)
  I ended up passing by in front of my house while walking.

Remember that regional variations might not always be appropriate to use in formal settings, so it’s essential to be mindful of the context.

Now that you have learned formal and informal ways to say “pass” in Japanese, you can confidently navigate diverse situations and engage in effective communication with native speakers. Practice using these expressions regularly to improve your fluency and comprehension. Best of luck with your language learning journey!