Translation guide
The phrasal verb "go over" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for English-speaking learners of Japanese, organized by practical meaning.
To check, review, or examine something carefully, such as a document, plan, or details.
Literally 'look again', used for reviewing or re-examining something to improve or check it.
Please go over the report.
Means 'to confirm' or 'to check'. Used when verifying facts or details.
Let's go over the schedule.
Loanword from English 'check'. Casual and common in spoken Japanese.
Can you go over the documents?
Formal term for 'scrutinize' or 'examine closely'. Used in business or official contexts.
We need to go over the contract carefully.
To go beyond a time limit, budget, or expected amount.
General verb for 'exceed' or 'go over'. Used for time, numbers, limits.
We went over the budget.
Please don't go over the time limit.
Formal term for 'exceed', often used in official or business settings.
We have gone over the scheduled time.
Loanword from English 'over'. Casual and common in everyday speech.
I went over time.
To physically move from one place to another, often to approach a person or object.
Means 'to approach' or 'go near'. Used for moving closer to someone or something.
He went over to me.
Pattern meaning 'go over to (someone's place)'. Natural for visiting someone.
I went over to my friend's place.
Pattern meaning 'go over toward (something)'. Used for moving in a direction.
Please go over to the window.
How something is received by an audience or person, such as a speech, joke, or idea.
Means 'to be received' or 'to go over well/badly'. Often used with adverbs like よく (well) or 悪く (badly).
His speech went over well.
That joke didn't go over well.
Means 'to become the talk' or 'to be received with a certain reputation'. More formal.
The new product went over well.
To search a place, person, or thing carefully, often for something specific.
To do something again for practice or to improve, such as lines, a speech, or a procedure.
Means 'to review' or 'go over' in the sense of studying again. Common for lessons or material.
Let's go over the lesson content.
Means 'to practice'. Used when going over something repeatedly to master it.
I went over the speech many times.
Means 'to repeat'. Can be used for going over something again.
Do not translate 'go over' literally as 行く (iku) + 上 (ue) or similar. It will not convey the intended meaning. Use the appropriate verb for each context.
Literal translation: 'go on top of the documents' (nonsensical)
I went over the whole house but couldn't find it.
I went over the procedure repeatedly to memorize it.