Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "get on" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: boarding a vehicle, mounting an animal or object, progressing or managing, and getting along with people. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
To enter or climb onto a bus, train, plane, etc.
The most common verb for boarding any vehicle. Use the particle に to mark the vehicle.
バスに乗る。
I get on the bus.
電車に乗ってください。
Please get on the train.
Emphasizes the action of stepping into a vehicle, often used when boarding is a bit more deliberate or when entering a car/taxi.
タクシーに乗り込んだ。
I got into the taxi.
Formal term used for boarding airplanes or ships, often in announcements or written contexts.
飛行機に搭乗する。
To board an airplane.
To climb onto a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, or similar.
To continue doing something, make progress, or manage in life/work.
A general phrase meaning to do well or manage successfully. Often used when asking how someone is getting on.
仕事はうまくやってる？
How are you getting on with your work?
Means to advance or make progress. Used for tasks or projects.
プロジェクトは順調に進んでいます。
The project is getting on well.
Means to make good progress, especially on a task. Often used when work is going smoothly.
To have a good relationship with someone.
Describes a good relationship. Use with と to indicate the person.
彼とは仲がいい。
I get on well with him.
Means to get along or manage a relationship smoothly. Often implies effort to maintain harmony.
新しい同僚とうまくやっていけるか心配だ。
I'm worried about whether I'll get on with my new colleague.
Means to get along well because of similar personalities or interests. Literally 'spirits match'.
To continue doing something, often after an interruption.
Means to continue. Often used with a verb in て-form.
仕事を続けてください。
Please get on with your work.
Literally 'move forward', used to mean proceed or get on to the next thing.
次の議題に進みましょう。
Let's get on to the next topic.
The English phrasal verb 'get on' cannot be translated word-for-word into Japanese. Always identify the specific meaning first, then choose the appropriate Japanese expression.
乗る is the general verb for boarding or riding. 乗り込む emphasizes the action of entering the vehicle, often used when you step into a car or taxi. For trains and buses, 乗る is more common.
早くバスに乗って！
Get on the bus quickly!
日本語の勉強はうまくいってる？
How are you getting on with your Japanese studies?
バイクにまたがる。
I get on the motorcycle (straddle it).
仕事がはかどった。
I got on well with my work (made good progress).
I get on with her (we click).