すれ違う

すれちがう
Alternative writings: 擦れ違う
JLPT:N2
Frequency:
1

To pass by each other; to brush past (people, vehicles, etc.).

U-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

狭い廊下ですれ違うときは互いに気をつけて通った。

When passing each other in the narrow hallway, we were careful to get by.

駅のホームで人がすれ違って押し合いになった。

People brushed past each other on the station platform and it became crowded.

自転車と歩行者がすれ違って危なかった。

A bicycle and a pedestrian brushed past each other; it was dangerous.

2

To miss each other; to fail to meet due to mismatched timing or arrangements.

U-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

連絡がうまく取れずに、二人は駅で何度もすれ違った。

Because communication failed, the two missed each other at the station several times.

予定が変わってしまい、会えるはずだったのにすれ違ってしまった。

The schedule changed and although we were supposed to meet, we missed each other.

タイミングが悪くて、配達と不在連絡票ですれ違った。

The timing was bad and the delivery missed me, leaving a notice instead.

3

To be at odds; to clash or be in conflict (opinions, intentions); to talk past each other.

U-VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

会議で彼と私は見解がすれ違って結論が出なかった。

In the meeting he and I had conflicting views, and no conclusion was reached.

伝え方が悪くて期待と現実がすれ違ってしまった。

The communication was poor, and expectations and reality ended up clashing.

考え方がすれ違う二人はなかなか歩み寄れなかった。

The two, whose ways of thinking clashed, had a hard time compromising.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Antonym
Masu-Formすれ違います
Nai-Formすれ違わない
Ta-Formすれ違った
Te-Formすれ違って
Ba-Formすれ違えば
Volitional Formすれ違おう
Imperative Formすれ違え
Potential Formすれ違える
Passive Formすれ違われる
Causative Formすれ違わせる
Causative Passive Formすれ違わせられる