Translation guide
The English verb 'elapse' refers to time passing. In Japanese, it is most naturally expressed with verbs like 経つ (tatsu) or 経過する (keika suru). The choice depends on formality and whether the focus is on a duration or a point in time.
Three years have elapsed.
Time elapses quickly.
Express that a period of time has passed or gone by.
The most common and natural verb for time passing. Used for durations like hours, days, years. Often used in the pattern '〜が経つ' or '〜経って'.
Three years have elapsed since then.
I forgot about the time elapsing.
A more formal, often written term. Used in official contexts, reports, or when emphasizing the passage of a specific duration.
Two hours have elapsed since the surgery.
Means 'to pass' or 'to exceed'. When used with time, it implies that a certain amount of time has gone by, often with a nuance of 'more than' or simply 'passing'. Common in casual speech.
He didn't come even after the appointed time had elapsed.
Literally 'to flow'. Used metaphorically for time passing smoothly or continuously, often in literary or poetic contexts.
Time elapsed quietly.
State that a precise duration has elapsed since an event.
Pattern: [duration] + が経つ. The most straightforward way to say a certain amount of time has passed.
A week has elapsed since the earthquake.
Pattern: [time point] + になる. Used when a certain point in time is reached, implying that time has elapsed up to that point. More about 'it has become X time'.
Before I knew it, it had become 10 p.m. (time had elapsed).
Both mean time passes, but 経つ focuses on the duration that has passed, while 過ぎる often implies going past a certain point or exceeding a limit. 過ぎる can also mean 'too much' in other contexts.
One hour has elapsed (focus on the hour).
It's past one hour (focus on passing the one-hour mark).
経つ is only for time. For people or things passing by, use 通る (to pass by) or 過ぎる (to pass).
Several months elapsed before he returned.
Time elapsed without any news.