Translation guide
How to express that something is mentioned or done briefly, casually, or incidentally in Japanese.
To say that someone mentioned something in passing, as a side note, without emphasis.
Used to add a casual, incidental remark while on the topic. Literally 'if I say it as a side thing'.
ついでに言うと、明日は休みです。
By the way, tomorrow is a holiday.
Adverb meaning 'briefly' or 'in passing', often used with verbs like 言う (to say) or 聞く (to hear).
彼はちらっとその話をした。
He mentioned that story in passing.
Means 'while you're at it' or 'incidentally', used to add an action or remark that is not the main focus.
買い物のついでに、銀行に寄った。
While I was out shopping, I stopped by the bank in passing.
Means 'casually' or 'without thinking much', used when something is said or done unintentionally or in passing.
彼は何気なく秘密を漏らした。
He casually let the secret slip in passing.
To express that an action is done in passing, as a secondary activity during another main action.
Literally 'while passing by', used for doing something quickly as you go past a place.
通りすがりに店をのぞいた。
I glanced into the shop in passing.
Also used for doing an additional task while primarily doing something else.
散歩のついでに、郵便を出した。
I mailed the letter in passing while taking a walk.
Means 'a little' or 'briefly', can imply doing something in passing when combined with a verb.
To express that you learned or heard something in passing, without actively seeking the information.
Idiom meaning 'to overhear' or 'to catch wind of something', literally 'to catch in one's small ear'.
その噂を小耳に挟んだ。
I heard that rumor in passing.
To hear something briefly or in passing.
彼の退職をちらっと聞いた。
I heard in passing that he's retiring.
To come to know something casually or without intention.
何気なく知った情報だ。
It's information I picked up in passing.
ちょっと立ち寄った。
I stopped by in passing.