渡

JLPT N3

Cross, transfer

Readings

On’yomi: ト (to)

Kun’yomi: わた(る), わた(す) (wata(ru), wata(su))

• わた(る) – to cross, to go across, to travel • わた(す) – to hand over, to deliver, to pass something

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

渡る

わたる

cross

渡す

わたす

hand over

引き渡す

ひきわたす

deliver

交付

こうふ

issue

横断渡り

おうだんわたり

crossing

Example Sentences

橋を渡ります。

はしをわたります。

I cross the bridge.

書類を渡します。

しょるいをわたします。

I hand over documents.

責任を引き渡します。

せきにんをひきわたします。

I transfer responsibility.

証明書を交付します。

しょうめいしょをこうふします。

I issue a certificate.

横断歩道を渡ります。

おうだんほどうをわたります。

I cross the crosswalk.

Cultural Note

🎎 渡 carries strong imagery in Japanese culture — crossing water often symbolizes transition, change, and life’s journey.
• In literature and art, crossing rivers (川を渡る) reflects moving forward or entering a new phase of life.
• It also appears in surnames (渡辺・渡部), hinting at ancestors who lived near crossings or ferries.
• The nuance of “handing over” (渡す) ties to the cultural value of connection and exchange — passing knowledge, gifts, or responsibilities with care.