Go by Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈbaɪ

GOH-BY

UK

ɡˈəʊ/ /bˈaɪ

goh-BY

Definition

"Go by" can mean to pass (especially with time), to move past a place or person, or to use a certain name.

Usage & Nuances

"Go by" is informal and common in spoken English. Key uses: 'go by' (time passes), 'go by' (move past), and 'go by a name' (be called). Don't confuse 'go by' (to follow something) with 'walk by' (physically passing). Often in 'as the days go by', 'I go by Mike', and 'just go by the store'.

• Spanish: pasar (tiempo) - llamarse - pasar por delante (de algo/alguien)
• Portuguese (BR): passar (tempo) - chamar-se - passar por (alguém/algum lugar)
• Portuguese (PT): passar (tempo) - chamar-se - passar por (alguém/algum lugar)
• Chinese (Simplified): 经过（时间/地方）- 叫作（名字）
• Chinese (Traditional): 經過（時間/地方）- 叫作（名字）
• Hindi: गुज़रना (समय/स्थान) - के नाम से जाना जाता है
• Arabic: يمر (الوقت/بالقرب من) - يُعرف باسم
• Bengali: পারে যাওয়া - নামে পরিচিত হওয়া
• Russian: проходить - проезжать мимо - называться
• Japanese: 通り過ぎる - （名前で）呼ばれる
• Vietnamese: trôi qua - đi qua - được gọi là
• Korean: 지나가다 - ~(이)라고 불리다
• Turkish: geçmek - adıyla anılmak
• Urdu: گزرنا - کے نام سے جانا جانا
• Indonesian: berlalu - lewat - dikenal sebagai

Example Sentences

As the years go by, we change.

basic

A blue car just went by the house.

basic

I go by Tom at work.

basic

Let me know if any interesting people go by at the party.

natural

Time seems to go by so quickly on vacation.

natural

Most people go by their middle names in my family.

natural