Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cross" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cross", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
わたる
わたる (wataru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
よぎる
よぎる (yogiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cross" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between わたる and よぎる.
In Japanese, わたる (わたる (wataru)) is typically associated with "to cross" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for crossing roads, bridges, rivers, etc. Often used with the particle 「を」.
On the other hand, よぎる (よぎる (yogiru)) maps to "to cross (one's mind), to pass by, to flash across" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used when thoughts, doubts, or images briefly pass through one's mind. Can also mean to pass across a physical space, but less common for N2.. A literal translation of "cross" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "わたる"
信号を渡って、お店に行きます。
I cross the traffic light and go to the store.
Bilingual Context for "よぎる"
彼の顔がふと私の頭をよぎった。
His face suddenly flashed across my mind.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "信号を渡って、お店に行きます。" (Meaning: "I cross the traffic light and go to the store.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "わたる" fits here because it means "to cross" in the context of: "I cross the traffic light and go to the store.". "よぎる" represents "to cross (one's mind), to pass by, to flash across".