横断

• Reading: おうだん
• Romaji: oudan
• Kanji breakdown: 横 (ou) — horizontal, sideways; 断 (dan) — cut through
• Pronunciation: /o.ɯ.daɴ/

Meaning

Crossing. Traveling across something from one side to the other.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (横断する). Most commonly used with 横断歩道 (oudanhodou, pedestrian crossing/crosswalk). Also used for crossing continents or countries (大陸横断). Distinct from 渡る (wataru, casual crossing) — 横断 implies a formal, complete traversal from side to side.

Examples

1. 横断歩道を渡るときは左右を確認しよう。 Make sure to check both ways when crossing at the crosswalk.
2. 彼は自転車でアメリカを横断した。 He crossed America by bicycle.
3. この道路は横断禁止になっている。 Crossing this road is prohibited.

Usage Guide

Context: traffic, travel, geography

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 横 (ou, horizontal/sideways) and 断 (dan, to cut through). Together, 'cutting across horizontally' — traversing something from one side to the other.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal