Translation guide
The English word 'abreast' has two main uses: a literal meaning of being side by side and facing the same direction, and a figurative meaning of staying informed or up to date. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both.
Describing people or things moving or positioned next to each other, facing forward.
The most common way to say 'abreast' in the physical sense. It means 'lined up horizontally' or 'side by side'.
彼らは横に並んで歩いた。
They walked abreast.
自転車が横に並んで走っていた。
The bicycles were riding abreast.
Figurative use: being aware of the latest developments or information.
A natural way to say 'keep abreast of the latest information'. It means 'grasping the latest information'.
常に最新情報を把握しておくことが大切だ。
It's important to keep abreast of the latest information.
The English phrase 'keep abreast of' should not be translated word-for-word. Use the Japanese expressions for staying informed rather than trying to combine 'keep' and 'abreast'.
A noun/suru-verb meaning 'running/driving side by side'. Often used for vehicles or athletes.
二台の車が並走している。
Two cars are driving abreast.
Literally 'lining up shoulders', this implies being side by side, often with a nuance of equality or competition.
彼らは肩を並べて戦った。
They fought abreast.
Means 'to follow trends/movements'. Used when keeping abreast of developments in a field.
彼は業界の動向を常に追っている。
He always keeps abreast of industry trends.
Literally 'to follow without falling behind'. Conveys the idea of keeping up with changes or news.
技術の進歩に遅れずについていくのは大変だ。
It's hard to keep abreast of technological advances.
Means 'to be well-versed in' or 'to have a thorough knowledge of'. Implies deep familiarity, not just staying current.
彼は最新の法律に精通している。
He is abreast of the latest laws.