Translation guide
The English phrase "passing through" can refer to physical movement through a place, a brief stop during a journey, or a transient state. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations.
Describing the act of going through a location, often without staying, such as a town, gate, or tunnel.
The most common verb for passing through or going past a place without stopping. It implies moving beyond a point.
電車が駅を通り過ぎた。
The train passed through the station.
A more formal term, often used for passing through a checkpoint, gate, or area without stopping. Common in transportation contexts.
この列車は次の駅を通過します。
This train will pass through the next station.
Emphasizes going through and out the other side, like a tunnel or a crowd. Often used for physically traversing a space.
トンネルを通り抜けると、海が見えた。
After passing through the tunnel, we could see the ocean.
Means to pass through without stopping or paying attention, often implying ignoring something or someone. Can be used for places or people.
彼は私の前を素通りした。
He passed right by me without a word.
Indicating that someone is visiting a place for a short time while on the way to another destination.
The most natural way to say 'drop by' or 'stop off' at a place while passing through. Implies a brief visit.
京都に立ち寄ってから大阪に行きます。
I'll stop by Kyoto on my way to Osaka.
Literally 'stop by while passing through'. Used when you happen to be in the area and decide to visit.
通りがかりに友達の家に寄った。
I dropped by my friend's house as I was passing through.
Specifically means to get off a train or bus midway to visit a place, then continue the journey. Common in travel contexts.
名古屋で途中下車して、名物を食べた。
I got off at Nagoya to try the local specialty while passing through.
Explaining that one is not staying permanently, just passing through a place.
A set phrase meaning 'I'm just passing through'. Used to explain your presence when you are not a local.
すみません、通りすがりの者ですが、道を教えてもらえますか？
Excuse me, I'm just passing through, could you tell me the way?
Means 'while traveling'. A simple way to say you are not a resident.
旅行中で、この町には一泊だけします。
I'm just passing through; I'm only staying one night in this town.
In casual conversation, you can simply state your action without explicitly saying 'passing through'. For example, 'ちょっと寄っただけ' (I just dropped by).
ちょっと寄っただけです。
I'm just passing through.
Metaphorical use of 'passing through' to describe a phase or fleeting experience.
Adjective meaning 'temporary' or 'transient'. Used for phases, emotions, or conditions.
それは一時的な感情に過ぎない。
That's just a passing emotion.
Can be used metaphorically for time or events that pass. Often in the form '通り過ぎていった'.
嵐が通り過ぎるのを待った。
We waited for the storm to pass through.
Literary term for something passing away or fading, like a season or era. More poetic.
Directly translating 'passing through' as パッシングスルー is not natural Japanese. Use the appropriate verb or phrase based on context.
通り過ぎる is everyday language for moving past a point. 通過する is more formal and often used in official announcements or written schedules.
Youth passed through in the blink of an eye.