Translation guide
The English word "cross" covers many meanings, from physical objects and shapes to verbs of movement, mixing, and opposition. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the intended English meaning.
Referring to the shape of a plus sign or an X, such as a mark, symbol, or pattern.
Refers to a cross shape like a plus sign (+), often used for the Christian cross, crosshairs, or a crossing pattern.
The cross on the map indicates a church.
Refers to an X mark, commonly used to indicate something is wrong or incorrect. Often written in katakana.
Since the answer is wrong, please mark it with an X.
The symbol itself, read as バツ. Used in writing or print.
Correct answers are circles, incorrect ones are X's.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like fashion patterns or sports (e.g., cross in soccer). Not a general term for the shape.
This skirt has a cute cross pattern.
Moving from one side of something to the other, such as a street, bridge, or border.
The most common verb for crossing a road, river, bridge, etc. Focuses on traversing from one side to the other.
Please look both ways when crossing the road.
Cross the bridge and turn right.
Means to cross or go across, often implying cutting across a space rather than following a designated path. Can be used for streets, fields, etc.
Means to cross over a boundary, mountain, or obstacle. Emphasizes going beyond a point.
Formal term for crossing, often used in traffic contexts (pedestrian crossing) or crossing continents.
Let's cross at the crosswalk.
Lines, roads, or paths that meet or cross each other.
Used for lines, roads, railways, etc., that cross each other. Neutral and common.
These two lines cross at point A.
The roads cross at that intersection.
Similar to 交差する but can also be used for abstract things like interests or paths crossing. Slightly more literary.
To mix two different things to create a hybrid or combination.
Specifically for breeding animals or plants. Technical but common in relevant contexts.
This dog was created by crossing two pure breeds.
Common verb for crossing plants or animals, literally 'to cross together'. Used in gardening and farming.
General word for mixing. Can be used loosely for 'crossing' in the sense of blending, but not specific to breeding.
To act in opposition to someone or something, or to betray.
To go against someone's wishes, orders, or expectations. Common in everyday speech.
You must not cross your parents.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to make an enemy of someone, often by crossing them.
If you cross him, things will get messy.
Means to betray. Can be used when someone crosses you by breaking trust.
To make the sign of the cross, as in Christian practice.
The standard phrase for making the sign of the cross.
He crossed himself before praying.
To draw a line through text to show it is wrong or should be removed.
渡る (わたる) is the most common for crossing roads, bridges, rivers. 横切る (よこぎる) emphasizes cutting across a space, often unexpectedly. 越える (こえる) is for crossing over barriers like mountains or borders.
The loanword クロス is mainly used in specific contexts like sports (cross pass), fashion (cross pattern), or technical terms. For general crossing actions or shapes, use native Japanese words.
猫が道路を横切った。
A cat crossed the road.
Once you cross the mountain, there is a small village.
二つの川が町の中心で交わる。
The two rivers cross in the center of town.
We crossed tomatoes to create a new variety.
Different cultures cross and blend.
彼は私を裏切った。
He crossed me (betrayed me).