Meaning and Usage
The verb 横切る (よこぎる) means "to cross" or "to traverse" something horizontally or across its width. It is commonly used to describe crossing streets, rivers, or even crossing arms or legs.
Common Contexts
- Crossing a road or path: 猫が道を横切った (A cat crossed the street).
- Crossing limbs: 彼は腕を胸の前で横切った (He crossed his arms in front of his chest).
- Physical structures spanning something: 川を横切る橋 (a bridge crossing a river).
Collocations and Patterns
- 道を横切る: to cross a street or path.
- 腕を横切る: to cross one's arms.
- 川を横切る: to cross a river.
Nuances and Tips
横切る often implies a quick or direct crossing from one side to another, usually in a straight or horizontal manner. It can be used for both animate and inanimate subjects. When used with body parts like arms or legs, it describes the crossing or overlapping position.
Be careful not to confuse 横切る with 渡る (わたる), which also means "to cross" but often implies crossing over something like a bridge or a street in a more general sense. 横切る emphasizes the act of crossing across the width or path, often quickly or directly.