Translation guide
The phrasal verb "go over" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for English-speaking learners of Japanese, organized by practical meaning.
To check, review, or examine something carefully, such as a document, plan, or details.
Literally 'look again', used for reviewing or re-examining something to improve or check it.
レポートを見直してください。
Please go over the report.
Means 'to confirm' or 'to check'. Used when verifying facts or details.
スケジュールを確認しましょう。
Let's go over the schedule.
Loanword from English 'check'. Casual and common in spoken Japanese.
書類をチェックしてくれる？
Can you go over the documents?
Formal term for 'scrutinize' or 'examine closely'. Used in business or official contexts.
契約書を精査する必要があります。
We need to go over the contract carefully.
To go beyond a time limit, budget, or expected amount.
General verb for 'exceed' or 'go over'. Used for time, numbers, limits.
予算を超えてしまった。
We went over the budget.
制限時間を超えないでください。
Please don't go over the time limit.
Formal term for 'exceed', often used in official or business settings.
予定時間を超過しました。
We have gone over the scheduled time.
Loanword from English 'over'. Casual and common in everyday speech.
時間をオーバーしちゃった。
I went over time.
To physically move from one place to another, often to approach a person or object.
Means 'to approach' or 'go near'. Used for moving closer to someone or something.
彼は私に近づいてきた。
He went over to me.
Pattern meaning 'go over to (someone's place)'. Natural for visiting someone.
友達のところへ行った。
I went over to my friend's place.
Pattern meaning 'go over toward (something)'. Used for moving in a direction.
窓の方へ行ってください。
Please go over to the window.
How something is received by an audience or person, such as a speech, joke, or idea.
Means 'to be received' or 'to go over well/badly'. Often used with adverbs like よく (well) or 悪く (badly).
彼のスピーチはよく受けた。
His speech went over well.
その冗談は受けなかった。
That joke didn't go over well.
Means 'to become the talk' or 'to be received with a certain reputation'. More formal.
新製品は好評だった。
The new product went over well.
To search a place, person, or thing carefully, often for something specific.
General verb for 'investigate' or 'look into'. Can be used for searching a place or checking something.
警察が現場を調べた。
The police went over the scene.
Means 'to search' or 'look for'. Used when going over an area to find something.
To do something again for practice or to improve, such as lines, a speech, or a procedure.
Means 'to review' or 'go over' in the sense of studying again. Common for lessons or material.
授業の内容を復習しよう。
Let's go over the lesson content.
Means 'to practice'. Used when going over something repeatedly to master it.
スピーチを何度も練習した。
I went over the speech many times.
Means 'to repeat'. Can be used for going over something again.
Do not translate 'go over' literally as 行く (iku) + 上 (ue) or similar. It will not convey the intended meaning. Use the appropriate verb for each context.
書類の上に行く
Literal translation: 'go on top of the documents' (nonsensical)
I went over the whole house but couldn't find it.
手順を繰り返して覚えた。
I went over the procedure repeatedly to memorize it.