Translation guide
The English word "ford" refers to a shallow place in a river or stream where one can cross on foot, horseback, or by vehicle. In Japanese, this concept is expressed with specific nouns for the crossing point and verbs for the action of crossing.
A shallow part of a river or stream that can be crossed without a bridge.
To cross a river or stream at a shallow point.
General verb for crossing a river, road, etc. When context makes it clear, it implies fording if no bridge is mentioned.
In Japanese, you often don't need a special word for 'ford'. Simply saying 'cross the river' (川を渡る) is enough if it's clear from context that there's no bridge. Use 浅瀬 when you want to specify the shallow part.
We crossed the river at the ford.
Specifically a crossing point, often a ferry or ford. Implies a designated place for crossing.
昔、この渡し場は旅人で賑わった。
Long ago, this ford was bustling with travelers.
Literally 'walking crossing', used for a ford where one crosses on foot. More descriptive and less common.
その徒歩渡りは雨の後は危険だ。
That ford is dangerous after rain.
川を渡って向こう岸に着いた。
We forded the river and reached the other side.
Explicitly 'cross at a shallow place'. Use when you need to emphasize the ford aspect.
彼らは浅瀬を渡って旅を続けた。
They forded the stream and continued their journey.
Technical/literary term meaning 'to ford on foot'. Rarely used in everyday speech.
探検隊は川を徒渉した。
The expedition team forded the river.