Translation guide
The English phrase "blow over" has two main uses: a literal meaning about wind knocking something down, and a figurative meaning about a difficult situation passing or being forgotten. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To describe something being blown over or knocked down by the wind.
Passive form of 吹き倒す (to blow down). This is the most direct and natural way to say something was blown over by wind.
強風で木が吹き倒された。
The tree was blown over by the strong wind.
台風で電柱が何本も吹き倒された。
Several utility poles were blown over by the typhoon.
To say that a difficult situation, argument, or scandal will eventually pass, calm down, or be forgotten.
The English phrase "blow over" cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. For the figurative meaning, avoid using 吹く (to blow) and 越える (to go over) together, as it will not be understood.
Literally "fall over due to wind." A simpler, more general phrase that can be used for anything knocked down by wind.
看板が風で倒れた。
The sign blew over in the wind.
Means "to be blown away" rather than just knocked over. Use when the object is sent flying by the wind.
帽子が風で吹き飛ばされた。
My hat blew over (away) in the wind.
Means "to calm down" or "to die down." The most common and natural way to express that a situation will blow over.
この騒ぎもすぐに収まるよ。
This fuss will blow over soon.
嵐が収まるまで待とう。
Let's wait until the storm blows over.
Means "to be forgotten." Emphasizes that the issue will be completely forgotten over time.
そのスキャンダルはすぐに忘れ去られるだろう。
That scandal will blow over soon.
Literally "time will solve it." A common saying meaning that a problem will resolve itself with time.
今は大変だけど、時間が解決するよ。
It's tough now, but it'll blow over.
Means "to let something pass" or "to weather the storm." Used when you intentionally wait for a situation to blow over.
彼が怒っているけど、やり過ごそう。
He's angry, but let's just let it blow over.