跨越 (kuàyuè) — to span; to transcend; to leap across

跨越 (kuàyuè)

跨越 describes crossing over a significant boundary, gap, or obstacle, either literally or figuratively, and carries a sense of impressive achievement or advancement.

Meanings

1. [verb] to span; to bridge (a gap, period, or distance)
2. [verb] to transcend; to leap beyond; to overcome (a barrier or limit)

Example Sentences

这座大桥跨越了整条河流，连接两岸城市。 Zhè zuò dàqiáo kuàyuèle zhěng tiáo héliú, liánjiē liǎng àn chéngshì. This bridge spans the entire river, connecting cities on both banks.

科技的发展使人类跨越了许多历史性的障碍。 Kējì de fāzhǎn shǐ rénlèi kuàyuèle xǔduō lìshǐxìng de zhàng'ài. Technological development has allowed humanity to transcend many historical barriers.

这部小说跨越了半个世纪，讲述了三代人的故事。 Zhè bù xiǎoshuō kuàyuèle bàn gè shìjì, jiǎngshùle sān dài rén de gùshi. This novel spans half a century, telling the story of three generations.

她的成就跨越了语言和文化的界限。 Tā de chéngjiù kuàyuèle yǔyán hé wénhuà de jièxiàn. Her achievements transcend the boundaries of language and culture.

这次合作跨越了不同行业，实现了资源共享。 Zhè cì hézuò kuàyuèle bùtóng hángyè, shíxiànle zīyuán gòngxiǎng. This collaboration spanned different industries and achieved resource sharing.

我们必须跨越眼前的困难，才能实现长期目标。 Wǒmen bìxū kuàyuè yǎnqián de kùnnán, cái néng shíxiàn chángqī mùbiāo. We must leap beyond the current difficulties to achieve long-term goals.

Collocations

Usage Notes

跨越 is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe impressive achievements that go beyond previous limits. The compound 跨越式发展 (leapfrog development) is especially common in Chinese policy texts describing rapid modernisation. In concrete physical contexts, it describes bridges or roads that span rivers or valleys.

It differs from 超越 (chāoyuè, to surpass), which emphasises exceeding a standard or rival, while 跨越 emphasises the act of crossing over a gap or boundary.

Memory Hook

跨 (to straddle/step over) + 越 (to pass over/exceed) = to stride powerfully over and beyond.