Translation guide
The English word "passage" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a section of text, a physical corridor or route, the act of moving through, and a journey by sea or air. It also touches on the passage of time and a passage in a building.
A short extract from a book, speech, or piece of music.
Commonly used for a passage from a text, speech, or piece of music. Neutral and widely understood.
彼は聖書の一節を引用した。
He quoted a passage from the Bible.
Literally "quoted text". Used when emphasizing that the passage is being cited or referenced.
レポートに長い引用文を含めた。
I included a long passage in my report.
Loanword from English, used in academic or musical contexts. Less common than 一節.
このパッセージの解釈は難しい。
The interpretation of this passage is difficult.
A long, narrow space connecting rooms or areas, or a route through something.
General term for a passageway, corridor, or aisle. Used in buildings, trains, etc.
地下通路を通って駅に行く。
I go to the station through an underground passage.
Specifically a corridor or hallway inside a building, like in a school or house.
A secret or back passage, a shortcut. Often implies a less formal route.
The action or process of moving through, past, or across something.
The act of passing through a place, or the passage of a vehicle, person, or bill. Very common.
列車の通過をお待ちください。
Please wait for the passage of the train.
Passage or traffic, often used for roads or paths. Implies movement along a route.
Passage or lapse, especially of time. Also used for progress of events.
A voyage or journey, especially by ship or plane.
A sea voyage or passage. Used for ships and sailing.
大西洋横断の航海は大変だった。
The passage across the Atlantic was rough.
A journey by ship, emphasizing the travel experience. More casual than 航海.
Air travel or passage by plane. Literally "sky journey".
空の旅は快適だった。
The passage by air was comfortable.
The process of time passing.
Common phrase meaning "time passes". Use this pattern to talk about the passage of time naturally.
時間が経つのは早い。
The passage of time is fast.
Noun meaning passage or lapse of time. Often used in formal contexts.
時間の経過を感じさせない。
It doesn't make you feel the passage of time.
A way through a building, often a covered walkway or arcade.
A covered passage or arcade, often with shops. Common in Japanese shopping streets.
アーケードを抜けると広場に出た。
Passing through the passage, we came out into a square.
In many cases, English uses 'passage' where Japanese uses a more specific word. For example, 'secret passage' is often 秘密の通路 (ひみつのつうろ), but 'passage of a bill' is 法案の通過 (ほうあんのつうか). Always consider the context.
Don't run in the passage.
彼は裏の抜け道を知っている。
He knows a secret passage out back.
この道は通行止めだ。
This road is closed to passage.
With the passage of time, the pain eased.
船旅でギリシャの島々を巡った。
We took a passage around the Greek islands.
A covered bridge-like passage connecting two buildings. Common in schools and traditional architecture.
渡り廊下で本館と別館がつながっている。
The main building and annex are connected by a passage.