Translation guide
The English word 'overlap' can refer to physical objects covering each other, shared areas or time periods, or abstract commonalities. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing when one physical object lies partly on top of another, or when edges meet.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to overlap' or 'to lie on top of each other'. Used when things naturally or accidentally overlap.
The papers are overlapping.
A roof with overlapping tiles.
Transitive verb meaning 'to overlap' or 'to pile up'. Used when someone intentionally places one thing on top of another.
Emphasizes mutual overlapping, often used for multiple items.
The leaves are overlapping each other.
When two events or time periods coincide or conflict.
Intransitive verb also used for schedules. Indicates that events happen at the same time, often causing a conflict.
The meeting times overlapped (and it caused a problem).
Specifically refers to schedule overlap.
My schedule is overlapping next week.
Loanword from 'batting', used informally for schedule conflicts.
That day overlaps (conflicts).
When ideas, categories, responsibilities, or areas share common ground.
Intransitive verb used abstractly for shared aspects or coinciding interests.
There is a lot of overlap in their opinions.
Literally 'have common points', a natural way to express overlap in characteristics.
We have a lot of overlap (in common).
Formal term for duplication or redundancy, often used in business or technical contexts.
Avoid overlap of duties.
Loanword from English, used in technical or trendy contexts.
These two fields overlap.
When one thing covers part of another, like a flap or lid.
重なる (かさなる) is the general verb for overlap in physical, temporal, and abstract senses. 重複する (ちょうふくする) is more formal and emphasizes duplication or redundancy, often used in business or data contexts.
Schedules overlap (casual).
Duties overlap (formal, redundant).
オーバーラップ is a loanword and can sound unnatural in everyday conversation. Stick to 重なる or 共通点がある unless you're in a very technical or trendy context.
The exam and the trip overlapped.
Our hobbies overlap.
データに重複がある。
There is overlap in the data.
A cloth overlaps the box.
蓋をかぶせる。
Put the lid on (overlapping the container).