Translation and Meaning of: 通り過ぎる - toorisugiru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 通り過ぎる (とおりすぎる). It is a common verb in everyday Japanese, but it carries interesting nuances that go beyond the simple act of "passing by something." In this article, we will explore its meaning, use in sentences, and how it relates to Japanese culture. Furthermore, we will understand why this word is so present in everyday conversations and how to memorize it efficiently.

Meaning and usage of 通り過ぎる

通り過ぎる is a compound verb that means "to pass by something" or "to exceed," usually indicating continuous movement. It is formed by 通り (passage) and 過ぎる (to exceed), suggesting the idea of traversing a space without stopping. For example, if someone says 駅前を通り過ぎた (Eki-mae o toorisugita), it means that the person passed by the front of the station without entering it.

This verb is often used in physical contexts, such as describing someone who walks down a street without stopping, but it can also have a more abstract meaning. In conversations, Japanese people use it to talk about missed opportunities or moments that have "passed" without being taken advantage of. This flexibility makes 通り過ぎる a versatile and useful word for learners.

Cultural curiosities and frequency of use

In Japan, 通り過ぎる is a quite common word, appearing in both informal dialogues and written texts. Its presence in the media, such as dramas and animes, reinforces its importance in everyday vocabulary. In chase scenes, for example, it's common to hear phrases like 彼は私の横を通り過ぎた (Kare wa watashi no yoko o toorisugita) – "He passed by my side."

An interesting fact is that, in some regions of Japan, especially in dialects like Kansai, the pronunciation may vary slightly, but the meaning remains the same. Furthermore, unlike more poetic words, 通り過ぎる has a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations.

Tips for memorizing 通り過ぎる

An effective way to fix 通り過ぎる is to associate it with everyday situations. Imagine yourself walking down a busy street in Tokyo: how many people "pass by you" without stopping? This image helps to internalize the meaning of the verb. Another tip is to practice with short sentences, such as バスが通り過ぎた (Basu ga toorisugita) – "The bus passed."

Some students also find it easier to break down the verb: 通り (to pass) + 過ぎる (to go beyond). This structure reminds us that the action involves movement and continuity. Repeating the verb in different contexts, such as describing traffic or fleeting events, further solidifies the learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 通り過ぎる

• 通り過ぎます - Affirmative form, present
• 通り過ぎません - Negative form, present
• 通り過ぎました - Affirmative form, past tense
• 通り過ぎませんでした - Negative form, past
• 通り過ぎましょう - Affirmative form, imperative
• 通り過ぎないでください - Negative form, imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 通り過ぎる (toorisugiru) - Pass through
• 通り過す (toorisasu) - To go through (synonym of 通り過ぎる, but with the nuance of passing through with a purpose)
• 通り過ごす (toorisugosu) - To pass by and not notice, to let it pass (not to notice while passing)
• 通り過ぎ去る (toorisugisaru) - Pass and move on (indicates a motion of passing and continuing forward)

通り過ぎる

Romaji: toorisugiru
Kana: とおりすぎる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: to spend; pass through

Meaning in English: to pass;to pass through

Definition: Move through a specific place or space.

Example Sentences - (通り過ぎる) toorisugiru

See below some example sentences:

私は毎日通り過ぎる公園が大好きです。

Watashi wa mainichi toorisugiru kouen ga daisuki desu

I love the park that I pass every day.

I love the park that passes every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 通り過ぎる (toorisugiru) - verb meaning "to pass by"
• 公園 (kouen) - noun that means "park"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "park"
• 大好き (daisuki) - adjective meaning "very loved"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence