跨

• Pinyin: kuà
• Hanzi breakdown: 跨 = 足 (foot) + 夸 (phonetic), to stride across

Meaning

To stride over; to straddle; to cross; to span across.

Describes movement across or over something, or spanning between two points. Used literally for physical movement and figuratively for bridging domains. Common compounds: 跨越 (to cross over), 跨国 (transnational), 跨界 (cross-boundary), 跨年 (New Year's Eve/spanning years).

Examples

1. 这座大桥横跨长江，连接着两岸的城市。 This bridge spans across the Yangtze River, connecting the cities on both banks.
2. 她的研究是跨学科的，涉及心理学、社会学和人工智能。 Her research is interdisciplinary, involving psychology, sociology, and artificial intelligence.
3. 很多明星开始跨界发展，既唱歌也演戏还做生意。 Many celebrities have started developing cross-boundary careers, singing, acting, and doing business.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, business, academia

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这是一个跨国公司。(This is a multinational company.)
• 他一步跨过了那条小溪。(He crossed the stream in one stride.)

Don't Say

• 把跨和过完全混用 (跨 emphasizes striding/spanning; 过 is more general 'to cross' or 'to pass')

Origin & History

Pictophonetic character: 足 (foot) indicates meaning, 夸 provides sound. Original meaning was to take a large step or stride.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal