Translation guide
How to express the English phrasal verb 'go by' in Japanese, covering meanings like passing (time/vehicle), using a name, following a rule, and visiting briefly.
To move past a location or person without stopping.
The most direct equivalent for physically passing by a place or person.
彼は私の家の前を通り過ぎた。
He went by my house.
More formal, often used for vehicles passing through a station or checkpoint without stopping.
電車はその駅を通過した。
The train went by that station.
Literally 'pass by the side of', a common casual way to say go by.
さっき駅のそばを通ったよ。
I just went by the station.
To describe time elapsing.
The standard verb for time passing. Can be used with time expressions.
時間があっという間に過ぎた。
Time went by in a flash.
Often used for a period of time passing, emphasizing the passage itself.
あれから三年が経った。
Three years have gone by since then.
A more poetic way to say time flows or goes by.
時が静かに流れていった。
Time went by quietly.
To be known or called by a particular name.
Means 'go by the name of...'. The 〜 is replaced by the name.
彼はジョンという名前で通っている。
He goes by the name John.
Means 'is called...', often used for nicknames or aliases.
彼はみんなにタカと呼ばれている。
He goes by Taka.
To consistently use a name or identity, often in a specific context.
仕事では旧姓で通している。
At work, I go by my maiden name.
To act according to a rule, principle, or advice.
The most common way to say 'go by (a rule/instruction)'. The 〜 is the rule or standard.
ルールに従ってください。
Please go by the rules.
Means 'based on', used when decisions are made according to something.
経験に基づいて判断した。
I went by my experience to decide.
To use something as a standard or criterion.
このデータを基準にしてください。
Please go by this data.
To stop by a place for a short visit.
The standard verb for dropping by or stopping off at a place.
帰りにコンビニに立ち寄った。
I went by the convenience store on my way home.
Casual way to say 'go by' or 'drop in' on the way to somewhere.
ちょっと友達の家に寄っていくね。
I'll go by my friend's house for a bit.
The English 'go by' has many meanings that don't map to a single Japanese word. Always choose the option that matches your intended meaning.
「ゴーバイ」とは言わない。
You don't say 'go by' as a loanword.