English–Japanese

“happen to pass by” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajitōrikakaru

Example

駅の前を通りかかりました。eki no mae o tō ri ka ka ri ma shi ta

I happened to pass by the station.

Illustration for 通りかかる (happen to pass by)

How to say “happen to pass by” in Japanese

“Happen to pass by” in Japanese is 通りかかる (tōrikakaru).

Shows someone coming to a place as part of passing through the area rather than as a planned destination.

Full entry for 通りかかる: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 通りかかる

交差点を通りかかったとき、友達に会いました。kō sa ten o tō ri ka ka tta to ki tomo dachi ni a i ma shi ta

I met a friend when I happened to pass by the intersection.

Tips for using 通りかかる

  • 通りかかる (tōrikakaru) often sets the scene for noticing or encountering something at the place one passes, rather than merely describing movement.

“happen to pass by” in other languages