Translation guide
The English phrase 'come across' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: finding or encountering something by chance, conveying an impression, and a few other idiomatic uses.
I came across an old photo.
Used for encountering people by chance. '出会う' means 'to meet'.
I came across an old friend in town.
A more casual way to say 'come across'. 'たまたま' means 'by chance' or 'coincidentally'.
I came across an interesting book.
A more formal or literary word meaning 'to encounter', often used for unexpected or difficult situations.
We came across a bear while hiking.
To give a particular impression or to be perceived in a certain way.
A standard way to say 'come across as...'. Literally 'give the impression that...'.
He comes across as cold.
A simpler way to say 'seems' or 'looks', often used for impressions. 'Come across as' can be translated this way in casual contexts.
A passive form meaning 'is thought to be', often used to describe how someone is perceived.
For a message or meaning to be successfully conveyed or understood.
An intransitive verb meaning 'to be conveyed' or 'to be understood'. Often used when a message 'comes across' clearly.
My feelings came across to him.
Means 'to be understood' or 'to get through'. Often used for language or ideas.
To provide money, often unwillingly or under pressure. Informal.
Literally 'to put out money'. Used when someone is asked to pay, often with reluctance.
He finally came across with the money.
Both mean 'find by chance', but たまたま is more colloquial and emphasizes coincidence. 偶然 is slightly more formal and can be used in writing.
I came across his secret by chance.
I happened to come across him at the station.
The English 'come across' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Always use the appropriate expression based on the intended meaning.
I came across an interesting article.
She comes across as very friendly.
He comes across as confident.
His attitude comes across as rude.
私の英語は通じた。
My English came across.