Definitions

kuà (verb) to step across; to stride over
kuà (verb) to straddle; to span

Etymology phono-semantic

foot

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 跨 (kuà) is a phono-semantic compound describing a type of physical locomotion. Its left component, the foot radical 足 (zú), indicates an action performed with the legs. The right component 夸 (kuā), meaning "boasting" or "exaggerating", primarily provides the phonetic element while possibly suggesting the movement's wide or expansive nature. The core meaning involves taking a large stride, straddling an object, or stepping over an obstacle. This physical concept naturally extends to abstract usages, such as crossing geographical boundaries, spanning different time periods, or bridging distinct academic disciplines.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

孩子过小水沟。

Háizi kuà guò xiǎo shuǐgōu.

The child stepped over the small ditch.

我们越这座桥。

Wǒmen kuàyuè zhè zuò qiáo.

We cross this bridge.

行业合作很重要。

Kuà hángyè hézuò hěn zhòngyào.

Cross-industry cooperation is very important.

这部电影越了三十年。

Zhè bù diànyǐng kuàyuèle sānshí nián.

This movie spans thirty years.

文化沟通需要技巧。

Kuà wénhuà gōutōng xūyào jìqiǎo.

Cross-cultural communication requires skills.

这个软件是平台的。

Zhège ruǎnjiàn shì kuà píngtái de.

This software is cross-platform.

研究项目涉及学科知识。

Yánjiū xiàngmù shèjí kuà xuékē zhīshì.

The research project involves interdisciplinary knowledge.

国公司必须适应本地市场。

Kuàguó gōngsī bìxū shìyìng běndì shìchǎng.

Multinational companies must adapt to local markets.