Translation guide
The English phrase 'pass on' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: to convey information, to decline an offer, to die (euphemism), and to transmit something (like a disease or a trait). Each meaning has its own natural Japanese expressions.
メッセージを伝えてください。
Please pass on the message.
デザートは遠慮します。
I'll pass on dessert.
To tell someone something that you have been told, or to forward a message.
The most general and natural way to say 'pass on' in the sense of conveying information. It can be used for messages, news, feelings, etc.
彼にそのメッセージを伝えてください。
Please pass on the message to him.
この情報をみんなに伝えてもらえますか？
Can you pass on this information to everyone?
Specifically means to pass on a verbal message or relay a message. Often used when someone asks you to tell something to another person.
彼に伝言しておいてください。
Please pass on a message to him.
Used for passing on physical items like documents or emails in a chain, or forwarding an email. Not for verbal messages.
このメールを全員に回してください。
Please pass on this email to everyone.
To say no to something that is offered, politely or informally.
Polite way to decline an offer, implying you are holding back out of consideration. Very common in social situations.
お菓子は遠慮します。
I'll pass on the sweets.
今日はお酒を遠慮しておきます。
I'll pass on alcohol today.
Casual, direct loanword from English 'pass'. Common among younger people or in informal settings.
今回の飲み会はパスするよ。
I'll pass on the drinking party this time.
Polite but firm way to decline. Can sound a bit blunt if not used carefully. Often used when you've already been asked multiple times.
もう結構です。
I'll pass, thank you. (No more for me.)
To die, expressed in a gentle or indirect way.
Standard polite euphemism for dying. Used in most contexts when speaking respectfully about someone's death.
彼は昨年亡くなりました。
He passed on last year.
Formal euphemism, often used in writing or formal announcements. Literally 'depart from this world'.
祖父が先月他界しました。
My grandfather passed on last month.
Very formal and respectful, used mainly in obituaries or official statements.
著名な作家が逝去されました。
A renowned author has passed on.
To give something to someone else, especially a disease, a characteristic, or an item.
Used for transmitting diseases or infections. Also used for transferring feelings or habits.
風邪を人にうつさないようにマスクをする。
I wear a mask so I don't pass on my cold to others.
More medical/formal term for contagion or transmission of disease.
この病気は人から人へ伝染します。
This disease passes on from person to person.
Used for passing on traditions, traits, or inheritance to the next generation.
遠慮する is polite and shows consideration, suitable for most situations. パスする is casual and may sound flippant in formal settings. 結構です is polite but can be abrupt; use it when you want to firmly decline after being offered multiple times.
Do not translate 'pass on' as 通る or 渡す when declining an offer. Those mean physically passing something. Use the expressions above instead.
This tradition is passed on to the next generation.