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.
気温が40度を超えた。
The temperature surpassed 40 degrees.
予想を超える成功を収めた。
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.
今年の売上は去年を上回った。
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).
予算を超過した。
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.
彼は経験で他の候補者に勝っている。
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.
Also used for abstract self-improvement or transcending boundaries. Very common in motivational contexts.
自分を超える努力をしよう。
Let's make an effort to surpass ourselves.
Formal, philosophical term for transcending worldly things or limitations. Rare in daily speech.
彼の芸術は時代を超越している。
His art surpasses time.
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').
気温が30度を超えた。
Temperature surpassed 30°C. (general)
売上が目標を上回った。
Sales surpassed the target. (business)
品質で他社に勝る。
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.
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.