Translation guide
How to express 'passing on' in Japanese, covering transmission of information, objects, traditions, and the euphemism for death.
To convey a message, relay information, or pass along news to someone.
The most common and versatile verb for conveying information, feelings, or messages.
彼にそのニュースを伝えてください。
Please pass on the news to him.
よろしくお伝えください。
Please give my regards (pass on my greetings).
Specifically means to leave or pass on a verbal message.
伝言をお願いします。
Could you pass on a message?
Humble form used when passing on a message from a superior or customer.
部長にその件を申し伝えます。
I will pass on that matter to the department head.
To give something to someone else, often implying transfer of ownership or duty.
General verb for physically handing something over.
この書類を彼に渡してください。
Please pass on these documents to him.
To take over or hand over duties, responsibilities, or a role, often in a work context.
To hand over or yield something of value, such as a seat, rights, or property.
To transmit customs, skills, or wisdom to the next generation.
Specifically for passing down folklore, traditions, or oral history.
この地域の昔話は今も伝承されています。
The old tales of this region are still being passed on.
To inherit and carry on traditions, skills, or a legacy.
伝統を受け継ぐことは大切です。
It is important to pass on traditions.
Formal term for succession or inheritance of intangible cultural assets.
技術を次世代に継承する。
Pass on skills to the next generation.
To refer to someone's death in a gentle or indirect way.
Standard polite expression for 'to pass away'.
彼は昨年亡くなりました。
He passed on last year.
A more formal and literary term for passing away.
祖父が静かに他界しました。
My grandfather passed on peacefully.
Very formal, often used in obituaries or official announcements.
著名な作家が逝去されました。
A renowned author has passed on.
To politely refuse something, such as an invitation or a chance.
To politely decline or refrain from accepting.
今回は遠慮させていただきます。
I'll pass on it this time (politely).
Casual loanword meaning 'to pass' or 'skip'.
飲み会はパスするよ。
I'll pass on the drinking party.
Do not use '通る' or '過ぎる' to mean 'pass away'. These mean 'to pass by' physically and are not euphemisms for death.
Use 伝える for intangible things (information, feelings) and 渡す for tangible objects. Confusing them can sound unnatural.
I passed on the work to my successor.
He passed on the company to his son.