Translation guide
Expresses the idea of two or more people or things moving past one another, often in opposite directions, or missing each other in time or space.
すれ違う
pass each other (people/vehicles)
Two people or vehicles moving past each other, often in opposite directions.
The most common verb for passing each other, especially for people or vehicles moving in opposite directions. Can also imply missing each other or failing to connect.
狭い道で車がすれ違った。
The cars passed each other on the narrow road.
彼とは廊下ですれ違っただけだ。
I just passed him in the hallway.
Similar to すれ違う but often used for people or things going in opposite directions and missing each other. Slightly more formal or literary.
手紙が行き違った。
The letters crossed in the mail.
Alternate kanji for すれ違う, emphasizing brushing past. Less common.
人と擦れ違うとき、肩が触れた。
When passing someone, our shoulders touched.
Failing to meet or connect due to timing, misunderstanding, or miscommunication.
Also used metaphorically for emotional or communicative disconnection, like 'talking past each other'.
私たちはいつもすれ違ってばかりだ。
We are always missing each other (emotionally).
話がすれ違っている。
We are talking past each other.
Noun form often used for crossed letters, missed connections, or misunderstandings.
Two objects or events moving past each other, such as ships, trains, or celestial bodies.
Works for any objects passing each other, including trains, ships, etc.
列車がすれ違うとき、少し揺れる。
When trains pass each other, it shakes a little.
Means to intersect or cross, often used for roads, lines, or paths crossing rather than passing alongside.
この道はあの道と交差している。
This road intersects with that road.
すれ違う is the most common and versatile for physical passing and metaphorical disconnection. 行き違う is more formal and often used for letters or plans crossing. In casual speech, すれ違う is preferred.
通る (とおる) means 'to pass through' or 'to go by', but not 'pass each other'. To express mutual passing, use すれ違う or 行き違う.
車が通った。
A car passed by.
行き違いがあったようだ。
There seems to have been a misunderstanding.