1.
to pass by one another
To go past each other from opposite directions.
道ですれ違った。
We passed each other on the road.
電車がすれ違った。
The trains passed each other.
駅ですれ違った。
We passed each other at the station.
狭い道で車がすれ違うのは大変だ。
It's difficult for cars to pass each other on a narrow road.
知らない人と廊下ですれ違ったとき、会釈をした。
When I passed someone I didn't know in the hallway, I gave a slight bow.
2.
to miss each other
To fail to meet or understand each other.
気持ちがすれ違う。
Our feelings don't connect.
意見がすれ違った。
Our opinions didn't match.
話がすれ違っている。
We're talking past each other.
忙しくてなかなか会えず、いつもすれ違ってばかりだ。
We're so busy we can never meet — we keep missing each other.
二人の気持ちが少しずつすれ違って、最後には別れてしまった。
Their feelings gradually drifted apart, and in the end they broke up.
すれ違う means to pass by each other or to miss each other (physically or figuratively).
TRANSITIVITY:
Type: 自動詞 (intransitive)
PHYSICAL MEANING:
- 道ですれ違う: to pass each other on the street
- 電車がすれ違う: trains pass each other
FIGURATIVE MEANING:
- 気持ちがすれ違う: feelings don't connect
- 話がすれ違う: talking past each other
- 意見がすれ違う: opinions don't match
RELATED:
- すれ違い (noun): passing, miscommunication