It means moving past a physical point or successfully getting through a formal process.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To move through or past a specific location.
- To successfully clear a test or formal process.
- Used in both physical and abstract contexts.
一般的な文脈：交通機関（電車が駅を通過する）、気象（台風が地域を通過する）、ビジネス・法務（法案が国会を通過する）、試験（採用試験を通過する）など、非常に多岐にわたります。
- 1類語との比較：『通り過ぎる』は物理的な移動に限定されますが、『通過する』はより硬い表現で、公的な手続きや条件を満たすというニュアンスを含みます。『合格する』は試験の結果に特化していますが、『通過する』はプロセスの一部（予選など）をクリアするという意味でも使えます。
Examples
電車がこの駅を通過する。
everydayThe train passes through this station.
その法案は国会を通過した。
formalThe bill passed through the Diet.
一次審査を通過することができた。
informalI was able to pass the first round of screening.
寒冷前線が通過したため気温が下がった。
academicThe temperature dropped because the cold front passed through.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
通過点に過ぎない
It is just a passing point (not the final goal).
通過儀礼
Rite of passage.
Often Confused With
Used when physically moving ahead of someone or something else. Does not imply passing through a formal process.
Specifically used for passing exams or requirements. It is more result-oriented than the process-oriented '通過'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is formal and objective. It is commonly used in news and business settings. Avoid using it for casual physical movement, where '通り過ぎる' is better.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for overtaking cars, which is incorrect. It should not be used to describe passing a person on the street. Ensure the subject is a location, a process, or a natural phenomenon.
Tips
Use for formal processes
When discussing legal bills or formal screening processes, use '通過' to sound professional. It implies the successful completion of a required step.
Don't confuse with passing a person
To pass a person while walking, use '追い越す' instead of '通過する'. '通過する' is strictly for locations or abstract thresholds.
Used in news reports
You will frequently hear this word in weather forecasts and political news. It is a standard term in formal reporting.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji '通' (to pass/connect) and '過' (to exceed/pass by). Together they describe the act of passing beyond a specific boundary.
Cultural Context
It is heavily used in Japanese bureaucratic and media language. It reflects the culture of valuing formal steps and procedures.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Through' (つう) and 'Go' (か). You are 'going through' a point or a wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions『通り過ぎる』は主に物理的な移動に使われます。一方、『通過する』は物理的な移動に加えて、審査や法案などの手続きをクリアするという抽象的な意味でも使われます。
『試験を通過する』と言うことはできますが、最終的な合格を指す場合は『合格する』を使う方が自然です。『通過する』は、予選や一次審査などをクリアしたというニュアンスでよく使われます。
はい、非常によく使います。『台風が関東地方を通過する』のように、ある地域を通って移動していく様子を表す際に適した表現です。
物理的な意味では『停止』や『留まる』が対義語になります。手続き的な意味では、『否決される』や『不合格になる』が対義語として挙げられます。
Test Yourself
台風が今夜、この地域を___する見込みです。
台風が場所を移動していくことを表すには『通過する』が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
It means moving past a physical point or successfully getting through a formal process.
- To move through or past a specific location.
- To successfully clear a test or formal process.
- Used in both physical and abstract contexts.
Use for formal processes
When discussing legal bills or formal screening processes, use '通過' to sound professional. It implies the successful completion of a required step.
Don't confuse with passing a person
To pass a person while walking, use '追い越す' instead of '通過する'. '通過する' is strictly for locations or abstract thresholds.
Used in news reports
You will frequently hear this word in weather forecasts and political news. It is a standard term in formal reporting.
Examples
4 of 4電車がこの駅を通過する。
The train passes through this station.
その法案は国会を通過した。
The bill passed through the Diet.
一次審査を通過することができた。
I was able to pass the first round of screening.
寒冷前線が通過したため気温が下がった。
The temperature dropped because the cold front passed through.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More travel words
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
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〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
