Translation guide
The English phrase 'be carried' can refer to being physically transported, being conveyed by a medium (like sound or wind), or being emotionally moved. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To be moved from one place to another by someone or something.
The passive form of 運ぶ (to carry/transport). Used when something is physically moved by someone or something else.
The luggage was carried by truck.
The injured person was carried to the hospital.
Emphasizes being carried by hand or being portable. Often used for objects that are moved around.
This desk is easily carried around.
To be transmitted or moved along by air, water, or other natural forces.
Also used for abstract or natural conveyance, such as sound or scent traveling through air.
The sound was carried by the wind.
The scent of flowers is carried by the wind.
Passive of 流す (to flow). Used when something is carried along by a current, like water or a crowd.
To be deeply affected by emotion, often to the point of losing control.
Literally 'wrapped in emotion'. A natural way to express being carried away by positive feelings.
I was carried away by the emotion of her singing.
Literally 'swept away by emotion'. Often implies being carried away and perhaps acting irrationally.
Literally 'forget oneself'. Used when someone is so carried away by emotion or activity that they lose self-awareness.
The English idiom 'get carried away' does not directly translate to 運ばれる. Use expressions like 感情に流される or 我を忘れる instead.
I got carried away talking and lost track of time.
ボートが川の流れに流された。
The boat was carried away by the river current.
He got carried away by his anger.
He was carried away with joy and forgot himself.