通り過ぎる

とおりすぎる

to pass, to pass through

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 通り過ぎる (とおりすぎる) means "to pass by" or "to go past" a place or person without stopping. It is often used when describing movement through or beyond a location.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear 通り過ぎる when giving directions, describing someone walking or driving past a landmark, or narrating events where someone or something moves beyond a point.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 駅を通り過ぎる: to pass the station
  • 前を通り過ぎる: to pass in front of someone
  • 道を通り過ぎる: to pass along a road

These phrases help specify what is being passed.

Register and Politeness

通り過ぎる is a neutral verb suitable for both casual and polite conversation. It can be combined with polite forms like 通り過ぎます.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 通り過ぎる with 止まる (to stop) or 通る (to pass through). 通り過ぎる specifically implies passing by without stopping or lingering, so be careful to use it when you want to emphasize that movement continues beyond the point.

Example Sentences

えきをとおりすぎて、つぎのバスていでおりてください。

Pass the station and get off at the next bus stop.

かれはわたしのまえをとおりすぎたが、きづかなかった。

He passed right in front of me, but I didn't notice.

このみちをとおりすぎると、すぐにこうえんがあります。

If you pass along this road, there is a park right away.