Japanese word

またぐ

Pronunciation

Romajimatagu

Meaning

  • verbcross

Example

この橋は川をまたぎます。ko no hashi wa kawa o ma ta gi ma su

This bridge crosses the river.

Illustration for またぐ (cross)

More examples

その猫は低い塀をまたいで、隣の庭へ入りました。so no neko wa hiku i hei o ma ta i de tonari no niwa e hai ri ma shi ta

The cat stepped over the low wall and entered the neighboring yard.

Core concept

It centers on passing over a boundary or lying across two sides with something underneath.

Common phrases

  • 敷居をまたぐshiki i o ma ta gu

    step over the threshold

  • 水たまりをまたぐmizu ta ma ri o ma ta gu

    step over a puddle

Similar words

渡るwataru: Crosses from one side of a place or barrier to the other.
越えるkoeru: Passes over a boundary, obstacle, or higher point.
またがるmatagaru: Extends across two sides or rests with the legs on both sides.

Definition in Japanese

ある物の上を越えて向こう側へ行く。また、二つの側にまたがる。a ru mono no ue o ko e te mu kō gawa e i ku ma ta futa tsu no gawa ni ma ta ga ru

Word origin

The native verb またぐ (matagu), usually written 跨ぐ (matagu), is traditionally connected with 股 (mata, "crotch"), recalling the legs spread over an object when crossing it.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English cross, this verb can describe straddling something without moving completely to the other side, so the surrounding noun helps clarify the action.

Other meanings

  • step oververb
  • straddleverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word