Translation guide
The English word 'going' can refer to departure, travel, progress, or the state of something continuing. This guide helps learners choose natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing that someone is leaving a place or departing.
The most basic verb for 'go'. Use it when you are leaving for somewhere.
I'm going now.
He went to school.
More formal, often used for trips or scheduled departures.
To go out (for an errand, leisure, etc.). Implies leaving home or current place temporarily.
Describing the act of traveling or moving from one place to another.
The default verb for going somewhere.
Asking or describing how something is progressing or developing.
Casual way to ask 'How's it going?' or 'How are things?'.
How's it going lately?
Expressing a future intention or plan, equivalent to 'going to' in English.
Expresses intention: 'I'm going to do ~'. Attach to dictionary form of verb.
Describing something that is still happening or continuing.
Use まだ with 〜ている form to mean 'still going on'.
Euphemistic or indirect expressions for someone leaving permanently or dying.
English 'going to' is not translated with 行く. Use つもり or 予定 instead. Saying '映画を見に行く' means 'go to see a movie', not 'going to see a movie' as a future plan.
I go to see a movie. (movement)
I will leave Tokyo tomorrow morning.
ちょっと買い物に出かけます。
I'm going out shopping for a bit.
週末に京都へ行きます。
I'm going to Kyoto this weekend.
To move, transfer, or travel. Often used for transportation or changing locations.
I travel by train.
Asking about condition or progress, like 'How's it going?' (for health, work, etc.).
How's work going?
To be going well. Often used for projects or relationships.
Everything is going well.
To advance, make progress. Used for work, plans, etc.
The plan is going smoothly.
I'm going to watch a movie tomorrow.
Indicates a scheduled plan, like 'I'm going to ~' (more formal).
I'm going to Osaka next month.
Literally 'just about to do', used for immediate future.
I'm just going out.
The meeting is still going on.
To continue, go on. Used for events, states.
How long is this weather going to continue?
Polite way to say someone has passed away.
He passed away last year.
Literary/poetic term for dying, often used in songs or literature.
He passed away quietly.
映画を見るつもりだ。
I'm going to watch a movie. (intention)