Translation guide
The English phrase "passing through" can refer to physical movement through a place, a brief stop during a journey, or a transient state. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations.
Describing the act of going through a location, often without staying, such as a town, gate, or tunnel.
The most common verb for passing through or going past a place without stopping. It implies moving beyond a point.
The train passed through the station.
A more formal term, often used for passing through a checkpoint, gate, or area without stopping. Common in transportation contexts.
This train will pass through the next station.
Emphasizes going through and out the other side, like a tunnel or a crowd. Often used for physically traversing a space.
After passing through the tunnel, we could see the ocean.
Means to pass through without stopping or paying attention, often implying ignoring something or someone. Can be used for places or people.
He passed right by me without a word.
Indicating that someone is visiting a place for a short time while on the way to another destination.
The most natural way to say 'drop by' or 'stop off' at a place while passing through. Implies a brief visit.
I'll stop by Kyoto on my way to Osaka.
Literally 'stop by while passing through'. Used when you happen to be in the area and decide to visit.
I dropped by my friend's house as I was passing through.
Specifically means to get off a train or bus midway to visit a place, then continue the journey. Common in travel contexts.
Explaining that one is not staying permanently, just passing through a place.
A set phrase meaning 'I'm just passing through'. Used to explain your presence when you are not a local.
Excuse me, I'm just passing through, could you tell me the way?
Means 'while traveling'. A simple way to say you are not a resident.
In casual conversation, you can simply state your action without explicitly saying 'passing through'. For example, 'ちょっと寄っただけ' (I just dropped by).
I'm just passing through.
Metaphorical use of 'passing through' to describe a phase or fleeting experience.
Directly translating 'passing through' as パッシングスルー is not natural Japanese. Use the appropriate verb or phrase based on context.
通り過ぎる is everyday language for moving past a point. 通過する is more formal and often used in official announcements or written schedules.
I got off at Nagoya to try the local specialty while passing through.
I'm just passing through; I'm only staying one night in this town.
Can be used metaphorically for time or events that pass. Often in the form '通り過ぎていった'.
We waited for the storm to pass through.
青春はあっという間に過ぎ去った。
Youth passed through in the blink of an eye.