Translation guide
How to express the English phrasal verb 'go by' in Japanese, covering meanings like passing (time/vehicle), using a name, following a rule, and visiting briefly.
To move past a location or person without stopping.
The most direct equivalent for physically passing by a place or person.
He went by my house.
More formal, often used for vehicles passing through a station or checkpoint without stopping.
The train went by that station.
Literally 'pass by the side of', a common casual way to say go by.
I just went by the station.
To describe time elapsing.
The standard verb for time passing. Can be used with time expressions.
Time went by in a flash.
Often used for a period of time passing, emphasizing the passage itself.
A more poetic way to say time flows or goes by.
Time went by quietly.
To be known or called by a particular name.
Means 'go by the name of...'. The 〜 is replaced by the name.
He goes by the name John.
Means 'is called...', often used for nicknames or aliases.
He goes by Taka.
To consistently use a name or identity, often in a specific context.
At work, I go by my maiden name.
To act according to a rule, principle, or advice.
The most common way to say 'go by (a rule/instruction)'. The 〜 is the rule or standard.
Please go by the rules.
Means 'based on', used when decisions are made according to something.
I went by my experience to decide.
To use something as a standard or criterion.
Please go by this data.
To stop by a place for a short visit.
The English 'go by' has many meanings that don't map to a single Japanese word. Always choose the option that matches your intended meaning.
You don't say 'go by' as a loanword.
Three years have gone by since then.