Translation guide
To go beyond a limit, expectation, or another person/thing in quality, quantity, or performance. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being surpassed and the nuance (exceeding a number, outperforming someone, transcending a standard).
To go above a specific amount, threshold, or what was expected.
The most common and versatile verb for exceeding a number, limit, or expectation. Used for both concrete and abstract thresholds.
The temperature surpassed 40 degrees.
We achieved success that surpassed expectations.
Often used in formal or business contexts to indicate exceeding a figure, record, or previous result. Slightly more formal than 超える.
This year's sales surpassed last year's.
Formal term for exceeding a limit, often used in legal, technical, or regulatory contexts (e.g., exceeding a budget, speed limit).
We surpassed the budget.
To do better than another person, team, or thing in ability, quality, or achievement.
Means to be superior or excel in some quality. Often used in comparisons with より or に.
He surpasses the other candidates in experience.
Implies surpassing someone by enduring or overcoming, often in a competitive or challenging context. Can also mean to outdo in intensity.
To surpass by pulling ahead, often used in races or rankings. Can also mean to outstrip or leave behind.
Literally 'overtake', used for physically passing someone (in a race, on the road) or metaphorically surpassing in progress.
To rise above ordinary limits, achieve something extraordinary, or surpass one's own previous best.
超える is the most general 'exceed'. 上回る is preferred in business/statistical contexts. 勝る is for qualitative superiority ('better than').
Temperature surpassed 30°C. (general)
Sales surpassed the target. (business)
Surpass other companies in quality.
English 'surpass' can sometimes be naturally expressed with other constructions in Japanese, such as 〜より優れている (is superior to) or 〜を上回る (exceeds). Using 超える for everything may sound unnatural.
彼はライバルを凌ぐ実力を持っている。
He has the ability to surpass his rivals.
He surpassed the other runners at the final corner.
He surpassed the car ahead on the track.
His art surpasses time.