Meaning and Usage
The verb 超す (こす) primarily means "to cross" or "to pass over" something physically, such as a river or a boundary. It also frequently means "to exceed" or "to surpass" a certain limit or target, often used in contexts like sales, numbers, or expectations. Additionally, it can imply "to tide over" or "to get through" a difficult period, such as cold weather or hardship.
Common Collocations
- 目標を超す (もくひょうをこす): to exceed a goal or target
- 時間を超す (じかんをこす): to go beyond a certain time
- 境界を超す (きょうかいをこす): to cross a boundary
These collocations show how 超す is used both literally and figuratively.
Register and Politeness
超す is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often seen in written and spoken Japanese, especially in business or news contexts when discussing numbers or limits.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 超す with 越す (also read こす), which can have similar meanings but different nuances and uses. For example, 越す is often used for moving residence or crossing over mountains, while 超す focuses more on surpassing or crossing limits. Pay attention to context and kanji to avoid confusion.