In 15 Seconds
- Means successfully passing through a major life challenge or difficulty.
- Combines 'obstacle' with 'to climb over' for a powerful image.
- Used for motivation, big achievements, and showing respect for resilience.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of successfully moving past a difficult challenge or barrier in your life. It’s like climbing over a high wall to reach the other side where your goal is.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a team at work
私たちはどんな障害も乗り越えることができます。
We can overcome any obstacle.
Talking about a long-distance relationship
二人は距離という障害を乗り越えて結婚した。
The two of them overcame the obstacle of distance and got married.
Texting a friend who passed a hard exam
大きな障害を乗り越えたね！おめでとう！
You overcame a huge obstacle! Congrats!
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply tied to the concept of 'Nanakorobi Yaoki' (Fall seven times, stand up eight). It emphasizes that obstacles are a natural part of life's path. In business, 'norikoeru' is often used to describe 'V-shaped recovery' (V{字回復|じかいふく}) after a crisis, showing the company's resilience. The 'Examination Hell' ({受験地獄|じゅけんじごく}) is seen as the first major 'shougai' a Japanese person must 'norikoeru' to enter adulthood. Athletes who overcome injuries are often called 'fushicho' (phoenixes) because they 'norikoeru' the physical limits of their bodies.
Pair with 'Together'
Use 'issho ni' or 'kyouryoku shite' to make it sound like a team effort, which is very natural in Japanese.
Don't use for people
You don't 'norikoeru' a person (that would be literal climbing). Use 'oikosu' to overtake them or 'uchikatsu' to defeat them.
In 15 Seconds
- Means successfully passing through a major life challenge or difficulty.
- Combines 'obstacle' with 'to climb over' for a powerful image.
- Used for motivation, big achievements, and showing respect for resilience.
What It Means
Think of a giant wall blocking your path. 障害 (shōgai) is that wall—an obstacle or hurdle. 乗り越える (norikoeru) is the action of physically climbing over it. Together, they mean you didn't let a problem stop you. You faced it and moved past it. It’s a very positive, empowering expression. It implies that the journey wasn't easy. You likely had to sweat or struggle a bit. But in the end, you are on the other side.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about big life events. You can use it with the particle を (o) to mark the obstacle. Usually, the obstacle is something abstract. It could be a language barrier or a tough project. You can say 障害を乗り越えた (shōgai o norikoeta) for things you already finished. If you are still working on it, use 乗り越えよう (norikoeyou). It sounds very determined. It’s like a hero in a movie giving a speech.
When To Use It
Use this in serious or motivational contexts. It’s great for business meetings when a project is hard. It’s perfect for graduation speeches or wedding toasts. You might use it when talking to a friend about a breakup. It shows you respect their strength. If you finish a marathon, this phrase fits perfectly. It’s also common in sports commentary. Use it whenever someone shows true grit.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, everyday annoyances. If you ran out of milk, that's not a 障害. If your bus was five minutes late, don't use it. Using it for small things makes you sound overly dramatic. People might think you are joking or being sarcastic. Also, avoid it if the 'obstacle' is actually a person. It can sound a bit aggressive toward them. Keep it for situations and abstract challenges.
Cultural Background
Japan has a deep culture of ganbaru or doing one’s best. Overcoming hardship is a recurring theme in Japanese media. Think of classic anime where the hero trains forever. This phrase captures that spirit of 'Nintai' or perseverance. There is a lot of social respect for those who endure. Success isn't just about talent; it's about what you overcame. It’s a very 'shonen manga' way to describe life.
Common Variations
You will often see 壁を乗り越える (kabe o norikoeru). This literally means 'climb over a wall.' It’s almost identical in meaning. Another one is 困難を乗り越える (konnan o norikoeru). This means 'overcome hardships.' If you want to sound more formal, use 克服する (kokufuku suru). That means 'to conquer' or 'to overcome' a weakness. But 乗り越える feels more active and visual. It’s the gold standard for talking about resilience.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and fits into most social registers. Just ensure the 'obstacle' is significant enough to warrant the imagery of 'climbing over' it.
Pair with 'Together'
Use 'issho ni' or 'kyouryoku shite' to make it sound like a team effort, which is very natural in Japanese.
Don't use for people
You don't 'norikoeru' a person (that would be literal climbing). Use 'oikosu' to overtake them or 'uchikatsu' to defeat them.
The 'Wall' Metaphor
Pairing it with 'kabe' (wall) is the most common way to use this phrase in a business or study context.
Examples
6私たちはどんな障害も乗り越えることができます。
We can overcome any obstacle.
Using 'can' (koto ga dekiru) makes it a strong motivational statement.
二人は距離という障害を乗り越えて結婚した。
The two of them overcame the obstacle of distance and got married.
Here, 'distance' is defined as the specific obstacle.
大きな障害を乗り越えたね！おめでとう！
You overcame a huge obstacle! Congrats!
A warm way to acknowledge a friend's hard work.
目の前のドーナツという障害を乗り越えられなかった。
I couldn't overcome the obstacle of the donut in front of me.
Using a serious phrase for a snack creates a funny contrast.
過去の障害を乗り越えて、今の自分がある。
I am who I am today because I overcame past obstacles.
A deep, reflective use of the phrase.
数々の障害を乗り越え、本日の佳き日を迎えました。
Having overcome numerous obstacles, we have reached this auspicious day.
Very formal and polished for public speaking.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
私たちは{協力|きょうりょく}して、この{壁|かべ}（ ）{乗|の}り（ ）ましょう。
The object marker を is needed for 'wall,' and the 'mashou' form of 'norikoeru' is 'norikoemashou.'
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the most natural sentence:
Overcoming a 'tough period' is the perfect figurative use of this phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: {仕事|しごと}が{大変|たいへん}そうだね。 B: うん、でもこれを（ ）ば、{成長|せいちょう}できると{思|おも}うんだ。
The conditional 'ba' form for 'norikoeru' (Ichidan) is 'norikoereba.'
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises私たちは{協力|きょうりょく}して、この{壁|かべ}（ ）{乗|の}り（ ）ましょう。
The object marker を is needed for 'wall,' and the 'mashou' form of 'norikoeru' is 'norikoemashou.'
Choose the most natural sentence:
Overcoming a 'tough period' is the perfect figurative use of this phrase.
A: {仕事|しごと}が{大変|たいへん}そうだね。 B: うん、でもこれを（ ）ば、{成長|せいちょう}できると{思|おも}うんだ。
The conditional 'ba' form for 'norikoeru' (Ichidan) is 'norikoereba.'
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit formal. Athletes usually just say 'koeru.'
Yes! '{彼|かれ}のことを{乗|の}り{越|こ}える' is a very common way to say you've moved on.
'Kaiketsu' is logical and focuses on the answer. 'Norikoeru' is emotional and focuses on the struggle.
Yes, it's a bit complex. Many Japanese people use hiragana for 'shougai' in casual texts.
Related Phrases
{克服|こくふく}する
synonymTo conquer/overcome (formal)
{打|う}ち{勝|か}つ
similarTo defeat/conquer
{切|き}り{抜|ぬ}ける
similarTo get through a tight spot
{壁|かべ}にぶつかる
contrastTo hit a wall
