やり過ごす

• Reading: やりすごす
• Romaji: yarisugosu
• Kanji breakdown: 過 (ka/sugosu) — to pass, to go beyond, to spend time
• Pronunciation: /ja.ɾi.sɯ.ɡo.sɯ/

Meaning

To let pass; to ride out; to get through a difficult situation by waiting it out. Implies enduring or deflecting something without direct confrontation.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb built from やる (to do) and 過ごす (to pass time, to get through). It carries the nuance of purposeful endurance — choosing not to engage with a threat or difficulty until it subsides. Often used for social tensions, emotional storms, or awkward moments.

Examples

1. 嫌な話題はうまくやり過ごすのが彼女の得意技だ。 Deftly sidestepping unpleasant topics is one of her special skills.
2. 上司の怒りが収まるまで、その場をなんとかやり過ごした。 She somehow managed to get through the moment until her manager's anger subsided.
3. この困難な時期をやり過ごせば、きっと状況は好転する。 If we can ride out this difficult period, the situation will surely turn around.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, social situations, emotional management, survival

Tone: pragmatic

Origin & History

Compound of やる (to do, to handle) and 過ごす (to pass time, to get through). Reflects a pragmatic philosophy common in Japanese social interaction — that waiting out discomfort is a legitimate and skilled response.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: General