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.
味はまあまあだった。
The food was passable.
道は通れますか？
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.
味はまあまあだね。
The taste is passable.
Similar to まあまあ, but slightly more positive. Often used for results or conditions.
結果はまずまずだった。
The results were passable.
Means 'reasonably' or 'passably'. Often used with verbs like できる (can do) or adjectives.
彼は英語がそこそこできる。
His English is passable.
Literally 'not bad', used to mean passable or decent. Common in casual speech.
この映画、悪くないよ。
This movie is passable.
A set phrase meaning 'neither good nor bad', exactly passable. More formal or written.
彼の演技は可もなく不可もなくだった。
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.
この道は車が通れますか？
Is this road passable by car?
Formal term meaning 'passable' or 'open to traffic'. Used in signs or reports.
道路は通行可能です。
The road is passable.
Potential form of 渡る (to cross), used for rivers, bridges, etc.
この川は歩いて渡れますか？
Is this river passable on foot?
Potential form of 越える (to go over), used for mountains, obstacles.
その山は冬でも越えられますか？
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.
この試験は勉強すれば合格できる。
This exam is passable if you study.
Loanword from English 'pass', used casually for tests or checks.
このテストは簡単だからパスできるよ。
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?