godan verb (-u), intransitive verb
pass by each other; brush past
Physical passing of two moving entities in opposite directions, often in a narrow space.
狭い廊下で彼とすれ違った。
I passed by him in the narrow hallway.
駅のホームで毎朝すれ違う人。
A person I pass by every morning on the station platform.
godan verb (-u), intransitive verb
miss each other; fail to meet
Failing to encounter someone because of timing or route differences, often despite plans.
連絡がうまくいかず、駅ですれ違ってしまった。
We failed to meet at the station because of poor communication.
彼が来たとき私は出かけた後で、すれ違ったらしい。
He came after I had left, so we apparently missed each other.
godan verb (-u), intransitive verb
Metaphorical extension: opinions, feelings, or intentions fail to align, causing friction.
彼とは意見がいつもすれ違う。
Our opinions always clash.
お互いの気持ちがすれ違って、喧嘩になった。
Our feelings were at odds and we ended up fighting.