Translation guide
The English word "passable" can mean adequate/acceptable, traversable, or able to be passed (as in an exam or test). This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
The food was passable.
Is the road passable?
Expressing that something is satisfactory, though not excellent.
A common, casual way to say something is so-so or passable. Can be used for food, performance, quality, etc.
The taste is passable.
Similar to まあまあ, but slightly more positive. Often used for results or conditions.
The results were passable.
Means 'reasonably' or 'passably'. Often used with verbs like できる (can do) or adjectives.
His English is passable.
Literally 'not bad', used to mean passable or decent. Common in casual speech.
This movie is passable.
A set phrase meaning 'neither good nor bad', exactly passable. More formal or written.
His performance was passable.
Describing a road, path, river, etc. that can be passed.
Potential form of 通る (to pass), meaning 'can pass'. Used for roads, paths, etc.
Is this road passable by car?
Formal term meaning 'passable' or 'open to traffic'. Used in signs or reports.
The road is passable.
Potential form of 渡る (to cross), used for rivers, bridges, etc.
Is this river passable on foot?
Potential form of 越える (to go over), used for mountains, obstacles.
Is that mountain passable even in winter?
Expressing that a test or standard can be met.
Means 'can pass' an exam or test. The most direct translation.
This exam is passable if you study.
Loanword from English 'pass', used casually for tests or checks.
This test is easy, so it's passable.
Can mean 'to pass' an inspection or screening. Often used in business contexts.
The English word 'passable' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Using 通過可能 (つうかかのう) for 'passable' in the sense of 'adequate' would be unnatural. Choose the appropriate expression based on context.
Do you think this proposal is passable?