渡る

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 渡る (reading わたる) is a godan intransitive verb for crossing from one side to another or passing over a boundary such as a road or river.
• Basic usage: The route takes を, as when crossing a crosswalk or river, while a vehicle such as a boat can be marked with で.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Route and means
  • In 横断歩道を渡る, を marks the traversed route; in 船で渡る, で marks the means of crossing.
• Contrast with 渡す
  • 渡る is intransitive and describes the subject crossing; 渡す is transitive and means handing something over or taking it across.