Translation guide
The English phrase 'pass through' can mean physically going through a place, an object allowing something to go through it, experiencing a phase, or successfully completing a process. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To travel through a location, often briefly or without staying.
Common verb for passing through a physical space, like a tunnel or a street.
この道を通り抜けてください。
Please pass through this road.
Formal or written term for passing through a place, often used for trains or vehicles.
列車は駅を通過します。
The train passes through the station.
Means 'to go via' or 'pass through' when referring to a route or transit point.
東京を経由して大阪に行きます。
I will go to Osaka passing through Tokyo.
Describing a material or object that is permeable or lets something pass.
Transitive verb meaning to let something pass through, like light or water.
このカーテンは光を通す。
This curtain lets light pass through.
Technical term for transmission of light, radiation, etc.
ガラスは紫外線を透過しない。
Glass does not let ultraviolet rays pass through.
Specifically for liquids permeating or seeping through.
水が布に浸透する。
Water passes through the cloth.
To go through a period, difficulty, or process.
General verb for experiencing something, often used for life phases.
彼は大変な時期を経験した。
He passed through a difficult time.
Verb meaning to pass through a stage or process, often used in formal contexts.
多くの困難を経て成功した。
He succeeded after passing through many hardships.
To get through a system, test, or official procedure.
Used for passing a test, screening, or checkpoint.
法案が国会を通過した。
The bill passed through the Diet.
Casual loanword for passing a test or check.
試験にパスした。
I passed through the exam.
Specifically for passing an exam or meeting a standard.
彼は面接に合格した。
He passed through the interview.
The English 'pass through' is often not directly translatable as a single Japanese verb. Choose the option that matches the specific context: physical movement, permeability, experience, or procedural success.
Literally 'to pass through a narrow gate', metaphorically to overcome difficulties.
幾多の試練をくぐり抜けてきた。
I have passed through many trials.