Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'coming across' something or someone in Japanese, covering accidental discovery, encountering people, and conveying impressions.
I came across an old photo.
The basic verb for 'find'. In context, it often implies coming across something without needing to specify 'by chance'.
I came across an interesting shop in town.
Similar to 偶然, but more casual. 'Happened to find'.
An article I came across happened to be useful.
Formal/literary word for 'encounter', often used for unexpected or difficult situations.
I came across a bear while hiking.
To express that you met someone unexpectedly.
Common phrase for running into someone unexpectedly. Often used with 友達に (a friend) or 駅で (at the station).
I came across my teacher at the station yesterday.
More literal 'met by chance'. Slightly more formal than ばったり.
To encounter someone or something, often with a nuance of surprise or trouble. Can be used for people or situations.
To express how someone or something is perceived by others, often translated as 'come across as'.
Standard way to say 'give the impression of ~'. Use with adjectives or descriptive phrases.
He comes across as cold.
Means 'looks like ~' or 'appears to be ~'. Commonly used for visual or behavioral impressions.
Passive form of 思う, meaning 'is thought to be ~'. More formal and objective.
The English phrase 'come across' has no single direct equivalent in Japanese. Always choose the expression based on whether you mean finding something, meeting someone, or conveying an impression.
We came across each other at the travel destination.
変な人に出くわした。
I came across a strange person.
She comes across as confident.
His attitude comes across as rude.