JLPT · Level 42
60 words
Japanese word
すれ違う
Pronunciation
Romajisurechigau
Meaning
- verbpass each other
Example
二人は駅ですれ違います。futa ri wa eki de su re chiga i ma su
The two people pass each other at the station.
More examples
狭い廊下で、先生とすれ違いました。sema i rō ka de sen sei to su re chiga i ma shi ta
I passed my teacher in the narrow hallway.
Core concept
Describes people or things approaching one another, passing at close range, and then moving on apart.
Common phrases
人とすれ違うhito to su re chiga u
pass someone
Similar words
行き違うikichigau: To pass someone without meeting because each person takes a different route.
通り過ぎるtōrisugiru: To move past a person or place without stopping or changing direction.
Definition in Japanese
人や物が近い位置で互いの横を通り過ぎ、同じ場所にとどまらない。hito ya mono ga chika i i chi de taga i no yoko o tō ri su gi ona ji ba sho ni to do ma ra na i
Word origin
すれ違う (surechigau) is a native compound of すれ (sure), the continuative form of すれる (sureru, "to rub"), and 違う (chigau, "to differ").
Usage tips
- In a narrow corridor, this verb can describe people passing so close that brush past becomes a possible translation, even when contact is not stated.