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.
地図上の十字は教会を示しています。
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.
答えが間違っているので、バツをつけてください。
Since the answer is wrong, please mark it with an X.
The symbol itself, read as バツ. Used in writing or print.
正解は○、不正解は×です。
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.
このスカートはクロス柄がかわいい。
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.
道路を渡るときは、左右を確認してください。
Please look both ways when crossing the road.
橋を渡って、右に曲がってください。
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.
横断歩道を渡りましょう。
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.
この二つの線は点Aで交差します。
These two lines cross at point A.
あの交差点で道が交差している。
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.
この犬は二つの純血種を交配して作られました。
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.
新しい品種を作るために、トマトをかけ合わせた。
We crossed tomatoes to create a new variety.
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.
親に逆らってはいけません。
You must not cross your parents.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to make an enemy of someone, often by crossing them.
彼を敵に回すと面倒なことになる。
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.
彼は祈る前に十字を切った。
He crossed himself before praying.
To draw a line through text to show it is wrong or should be removed.
Literally 'draw a line and erase'. The most natural way to say cross out.
間違えたので、その単語を線を引いて消した。
I made a mistake, so I crossed out the word.
Formal term for deletion or erasure, used in official documents.
その項目は抹消されました。
That item was crossed out.
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.
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.
Different cultures cross and blend.
彼は私を裏切った。
He crossed me (betrayed me).