過

JLPT N3

Exceed, pass

Readings

On’yomi: カ (ka)

Kun’yomi: す(ぎる), す(ごす), あやま(つ) (su(giru), su(gosu), ayama(tsu))

• す(ぎる) – to pass, to exceed • す(ごす) – to spend (time) • あやま(つ) – to make a mistake (classical)

Structure

Radical: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Composition: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Detailed Explanation

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Mnemonic

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Etymology

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Visual Tip

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Vocabulary

過去

かこ

past

過ぎる

すぎる

exceed

通過

つうか

pass through

過失

かしつ

fault

超過

ちょうか

excess

Example Sentences

過去を思い出します。

かこをおもいだします。

I remember the past.

食べ過ぎます。

たべすぎます。

I overeat.

駅を通過します。

えきをつうかします。

I pass the station.

過失です。

かしつです。

It is a fault.

時間を超過します。

じかんをちょうかします。

Time is exceeded.

Cultural Note

🕰️ 過 expresses the idea of “passing” — whether it’s time, limits, or boundaries.
In daily Japanese, it often reflects:
• The flow of time (過ぎる, 過ごす).
• Regret or reflection about the past (過去).
• Excess or imbalance (過大, 過労).
It embodies the Japanese sensitivity to impermanence (無常 mujō) — the awareness that time and experiences inevitably pass.