Translation guide
How to express the act of crossing a river in Japanese, from literal physical crossing to metaphorical uses.
Describing the action of moving from one side of a river to the other, on foot, by vehicle, or by swimming.
The most common and neutral way to say 'cross a river'. Uses the particle を to mark the river as the space being traversed.
I crossed the river by crossing the bridge.
He crossed the river by walking through the shallows.
Implies crossing over a river, often with a sense of overcoming an obstacle. Can be used for crossing via bridge or by fording.
We crossed a small river on the mountain path.
A formal or literary term for crossing a river, often used in military or expedition contexts.
The army began the river-crossing operation.
Specifically swimming across a river.
The standard way to say 'swim across a river'. Combines 泳ぐ (swim) with 渡る (cross).
He swam across the fast-flowing river.
Using 'crossing a river' as a metaphor for overcoming a difficult situation or reaching a goal.
Can be used metaphorically, similar to English. Often appears in proverbs or poetic language.
The time has come to cross the great river of life.
A more common metaphorical expression for overcoming difficulties, not specific to rivers but often used where English might say 'cross that bridge'.
We've already crossed that bridge.
渡る (わたる) is the default for crossing a river, focusing on moving from one side to the other. 越える (こえる) emphasizes going over an obstacle and is more common for mountains or walls, but can be used for rivers when the crossing is challenging.
Use を with 渡る to mark the river being crossed. Do not use に or で. 川に渡る is incorrect.
cross the river (correct)
We need to cross the river before sunset.
The children crossed the river on a raft.