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
渡る
わたる (wataru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cross" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between わたる and 渡る.
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, 渡る (わたる (wataru)) maps to "to cross" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To cross over a linear obstacle like a bridge, road, river, or street. Usually implies moving from one side to the other.. 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 "渡る"
信号をよく見て、道を渡りましょう。
Look carefully at the traffic light and cross the road.
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.". "渡る" represents "to cross".