Translation and Meaning of: 越す - kosu

The Japanese word 越す[こす] is a versatile verb that can cause some confusion among language learners. Its primary meaning involves the idea of "to pass over," "to surpass," or "to cross," but it also carries specific nuances depending on the context. In this article, we will explore the everyday use of this word, its origin, and how it relates to Japanese culture. If you want to understand when and how to use 越す correctly, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 越す

The verb 越す is frequently used to express the action of crossing or overcoming something, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, it can be used to talk about crossing a mountain (山を越す) or even about overcoming an emotional obstacle. Its application is broad, but it always maintains the central idea of movement or overcoming.

Furthermore, 越す also appears in more formal contexts, such as expressions related to weather events. A common example is 暑さを越す, which means "to endure the heat" or "to get through the summer." This flexibility makes the word quite useful in everyday life, but it also requires attention not to confuse it with similar terms like 超す, which has a more restricted use.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 越 is composed of the radical 走 (to run) combined with 戉 (an ancient character representing a war axe). This combination suggests the idea of "crossing with effort," which aligns perfectly with the current meaning of the word. Its origin goes back to classical Chinese, where the character already carried the notion of transcending boundaries.

It is worth noting that 越す is not a rare term in modern Japanese. It appears in newspapers, literature, and even in informal conversations, although it is more common in written records or slightly more formal speeches. Its use in proverbs and fixed expressions also reinforces its relevance in everyday vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to internalize the meaning of 越す is to associate it with concrete situations of overcoming. Think of phrases like 困難を越す ("overcome difficulties") or 国境を越す ("cross borders"). This type of context helps to internalize the verb naturally, avoiding confusion with other similar terms.

Another useful tip is to pay attention to the kanjis. While 越す carries the idea of crossing or surpassing, 超す (with the kanji 超) has a meaning more focused on "exceeding" or "going beyond a numerical limit." This distinction may seem subtle, but it makes all the difference when forming precise sentences.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 越す

• 越す - Group I transitive verb
• 越せ - affirmative imperative
• 越さない - Negative of not passing
• 越せる - Potential, colloquial
• 越せば - Conditional of the verb pass
• 越そう - Volitive/future form of the verb "越す"

Synonyms and similar words

• 超える (koeru) - Exceed, go beyond a limit.
• 進む (susumu) - Advance, progress.
• 通り過ぎる (toorisugiru) - To pass through, to transit.
• 超過する (choukasuru) - Surpass in quantitative terms.
• 突破する (toppasuru) - Break through, overcome an obstacle.
• 上回る (uwamawaru) - To overcome, to be superior in quantity or quality.
• 超越する (chouetsusuru) - Surpass in a more abstract sense, transcend.
• 飛び越える (tobikoeru) - Jump over, leap over.
• 越境する (ekkyou suru) - Transcend borders, cross territorial limits.

越す

Romaji: kosu
Kana: こす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: go (e.g. with public)

Meaning in English: to go over (e.g. with audience)

Definition: "Exceed/exceed a certain level."

Example Sentences - (越す) kosu

See below some example sentences:

私は山を越すつもりです。

Watashi wa yama wo kosu tsumori desu

I intend to cross the mountain.

I intend to cross the mountain.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 山 (yama) - noun that means "mountain"
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 越す (kosu) - verb that means "to cross" or "to traverse"
• つもり (tsumori) - expression that indicates the intention or plan to do something
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

私は車を追い越すことができます。

Watashi wa kuruma wo oikosu koto ga dekimasu

I can overtake a car.

I can overtake the car.

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 車 (kuruma) - noun that means "car" in Japanese
• を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 追い越す (oikosu) - verb that means "to surpass" in Japanese
• こと (koto) - noun that indicates an action or event
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• できます (dekimasu) - verb that means "to be able to" or "to be capable of" in Japanese

私たちは来月引っ越す予定です。

Watashitachi wa raigetsu hikkosu yotei desu

We plan to move next month.

We plan to move next month.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 来月 - next month in Japanese
• 引っ越す - "Change of house" in Japanese
• 予定 - "Plan" or "Programming" in Japanese
• です - Sentence-ending particle in Japanese