Meaning
To go from one side of a road to the other.
Cultural Background
Children are taught to raise their hands when crossing to be seen by drivers. This is called 'te o ageru'. The 'Green Man' on signals is actually called 'Ao-shingo' (Blue Signal) in Japanese, even though it is green. Shibuya Crossing is the most famous place to '{道|みち}を{渡|わた}る' in the world, known as a 'scramble crossing'. Pedestrian bridges ({歩道橋|ほどうきょう}) are very common in Japan to help people cross busy highways safely.
The 'O' Rule
Always use 'o' with 'wataru'. If you use 'ni', Japanese people will understand, but it will sound like you are landing 'on' the road rather than crossing it.
The Hand Raise
If you want to look like a local (or a very polite tourist), a slight nod to a driver who stops for you while you cross is a great way to show 'Arigato'.
Meaning
To go from one side of a road to the other.
The 'O' Rule
Always use 'o' with 'wataru'. If you use 'ni', Japanese people will understand, but it will sound like you are landing 'on' the road rather than crossing it.
The Hand Raise
If you want to look like a local (or a very polite tourist), a slight nod to a driver who stops for you while you cross is a great way to show 'Arigato'.
Jaywalking
Even if the road is empty, waiting for the light is the social norm. Crossing on red is seen as slightly rude or reckless.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle and verb form.
{危|あぶ}ないから、{走|はし}って{道|みち}（ ）{渡|わた}（ ）。
'o' is the correct particle, and 'ranaide kudasai' (please don't) fits the 'dangerous' context.
Which sentence is the most natural for giving directions?
How do you say 'Cross the road at that signal'?
Option 'a' uses the correct particle and verb for crossing.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are with a child at a crosswalk.
Raising your hand is the standard safety practice for children in Japan.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{危|あぶ}ないから、{走|はし}って{道|みち}（ ）{渡|わた}（ ）。
'o' is the correct particle, and 'ranaide kudasai' (please don't) fits the 'dangerous' context.
How do you say 'Cross the road at that signal'?
Option 'a' uses the correct particle and verb for crossing.
You are with a child at a crosswalk.
Raising your hand is the standard safety practice for children in Japan.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! '{橋|はし}を{渡|わた}る' is the standard phrase for crossing a bridge.
'Michi' is the general word for road/way. 'Douro' is more formal/technical, like 'roadway' or 'thoroughfare'.
It is intransitive. You are the one doing the moving. The transitive version is 'watasu' (to hand over).
'De' marks where an action happens, but 'o' marks the space you move through. Since crossing is movement through a space, 'o' is used.
Related Phrases
{橋|はし}を{渡|わた}る
similarTo cross a bridge
{道|みち}を{横切|よこぎ}る
similarTo cut across the road
{道|みち}を{通|とお}る
contrastTo pass through/along a road
{世|よ}を{渡|わた}る
specialized formTo make one's way in the world
