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.
To discover or meet someone or something unexpectedly or without planning.
A common and natural way to say 'come across' when you find something by chance. Literally 'accidentally find'.
古い写真を偶然見つけた。
I came across an old photo.
Used for encountering people by chance. '出会う' means 'to meet'.
街で昔の友達に偶然出会った。
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'.
面白い本をたまたま見つけた。
I came across an interesting book.
A more formal or literary word meaning 'to encounter', often used for unexpected or difficult situations.
登山中に熊に遭遇した。
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...'.
彼は冷たいという印象を与える。
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.
彼は自信があるように見える。
He comes across as confident.
A passive form meaning 'is thought to be', often used to describe how someone is perceived.
彼の態度は失礼だと思われる。
His attitude comes across as rude.
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.
私の気持ちが彼に伝わった。
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.
彼はついに金を出した。
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.
偶然、彼の秘密を知った。
I came across his secret by chance.
たまたま駅で彼を見かけた。
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.
面白い記事を偶然見つけた。
I came across an interesting article.
彼女はとても親しみやすいという印象を与える。
She comes across as very friendly.
私の英語は通じた。
My English came across.