1. Character Basics
2. Pronunciation
3. Meaning
- To step over, to straddle
- To cross over, to surpass
- To extend across, to span
- To overcome an obstacle
4. Common Words
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "跨" is primarily used as a verb describing the action of stepping over or crossing something. It can be used both literally (crossing a physical obstacle) and figuratively (crossing boundaries or making significant progress).
他轻松地跨过了那条小溪。(Tā qīngsōng de kuàguò le nà tiáo xiǎoxī.) - He easily stepped over that stream.
我们需要跨越这个困难。(Wǒmen xūyào kuàyuè zhège kùnnán.) - We need to overcome this difficulty.
这家跨国公司在全球有很多分支机构。(Zhè jiā kuàguó gōngsī zài quánqiú yǒu hěn duō fēnzhī jīgòu.) - This multinational corporation has many branches worldwide.
他大跨步地向前走。(Tā dà kuàbù de xiàng qián zǒu.) - He strode forward with big steps.
6. Cultural Background
The character "跨" is formed by combining "足" (zú, foot) and "夸" (kuā, to praise). It describes the action of stepping over or crossing with the foot. In Chinese culture, this character often carries connotations of progress, overcoming obstacles, and achieving breakthroughs.
The concept of "跨越发展" (leapfrog development) has been particularly important in China's modern economic growth, referring to the strategy of bypassing traditional stages of development to rapidly adopt advanced technologies and methods.
In traditional Chinese thought, crossing boundaries and overcoming obstacles is often seen as a virtue, reflecting perseverance and determination.
7. Example Sentence
这座大桥横跨了整个河流，连接了两岸的城市。
This bridge spans the entire river, connecting the cities on both banks.
8. Memory Tips
To remember the character "跨", look at its structure: it consists of "足" (zú, foot) and "夸" (kuā, to praise). You can imagine using your foot (足) to step over something and then praising (夸) yourself for doing it successfully. The pronunciation "kuà" is similar to "挎" (kuà, to carry on shoulder) and "胯" (kuà, hip).
Another way to remember it is to associate it with the common phrase "跨越" (kuà yuè, to cross over) and visualize crossing a river or a bridge.